Explore the possible reasons the dying Beowulf asks Wiglaf to bring him some of the dragon’s treasures. Include in your discussion the custom of keeping a “souvenir” from a successful battle, and why Beowulf may have wanted to be able to give Wiglaf some of the treasure as a memento. Be sure to include elements of the Warrior Code in your discussion.
Beowulf asked Wiglaf to bring him some of the dragon’s treasures so he could be buried with it as a “souvenir”. When you work so hard to succeed you want something to prove or show what you have done. An example is, during a competition you try to beat the other teams and get to the top. When you reach your goal you want something such as a trophy to prove you have won. Which is the same as Beowulf’s need for the dragon’s treasure, because it proves he came out victorious. Beowulf felt incline to give some of the treasure to Wiglaf as a token of appreciation for standing by him, following the Warrior Code, and helping him defeat the dragon. While on his death bed he gave Wiglaf the responsibility of being the king of the Geats. The treasure was a respectful gesture designated by the Warrior Code from Beowulf to Wiglaf for a successful reign as king. His burial also represents the Warrior Code because he is buried with all his treasure creating the famed history of the great Beowulf.
Great answer Jess. I agree with you in the souvenir part.
In what way do you agree, Jin?
That Beowulf asked Wiglaf to bring some of the gold and Beowulf will be shipped with the gold as a souvenir from killing the dragon.
I like the example you gave because it is very true!
I see
Not only did he give the responsibility to Wiglaf but he also gives Wiglaf his golden necklace from around his throat. You really proved the point of competition. That was a good example.
i like how you compared working hard for something and reaching a goal to Beowulf’s need for the dragon’s treasure.
i like the example because its true. When you compete you always want other people to know that you did a good job.
you answer is very good but do you remember that Beowulf says the money is for his people and not for him. Beowulf would not have to prove his victory because he will have been dead when his people learn of the victory. The money he wins is brought to his people just as a generous king should. Beowulf’s memory is preserved by his lighthouse, fulfilling the ultimate goal of fame after death.
Beowulf wanted Wiglaf to bring him some of the dragon’s treasure to remember that he risked his life to save everyone. Keeping the souvenir reminds him of the battle that he went through that turned out to be very successful. Beowulf wanted to give Wiglaf some of the treasure because Wiglaf was the only warrior that stood by him, while all the others fled from their fear of the dragon. Giving Wiglaf some of the treasure was Beowulf’s way of thanking and appreciating him for being brave and by his side the whole time. Wiglaf standing by Beowulf’s side during the battle is an example of the warrior code.
Melinda- how was this incident an example of the warrior code?
in the way that everyone else ran away afraid that they might get killed by the dragon except for Wiglaf. He stayed and helped Beowulf defeat the dragon.
I agree with you on the warrior code. But wouldn’t the fact that Wiglaf staying with Beowulf to fight the dragon while the others flee also be part of the warrior code.
Matt- in what way?
Beowulf wanted to share the tresure because he wanted it to be passed down from generation to generation, back in those times golden treasures were hard to come by and were worth alot of money. Something like a golden cup or a golden plate would be loved by the family who owned it for a long time. A dragon was a very powerful thing to them, a souvenir that belonged to a dragon, or warlord killed in conquest is a powerful relic that symbolises you getting that power for yourself and your family. Wearing the skulls of your enemys, or hanging an animal’s trophy head is common even in the 21st century. But the horde of treasure was cursed and Beowulf told Wiglaf to create a lighthouse and burn him with the treasure there. The lighthouse stands to protect the ships and so the ledgend of Beowulf would be set in stone, securing his place in the afterlife.
I like the example you gave about how a gold plate is passed down from family to family!
I also agree with the example you used in your response. The golden cup or plate is a very important souvenir in this book. The golden cup represents the battle that Beowulf had to fight through to get the golden cup as his trophy.
One reason why Beowulf asks Wiglaf to bring him some of the dragon’s treasures is to keep a memoir of the battle. Beowulf and Wiglaf fought with the dragon and won, so Beowulf wants to be known for his bravery. He also wants to be remembered for his loyalty, respect, and trust as a king. Keeping a souvenir was a sign of honor, so he gave some to Wiglaf as well. While the other warriors ran away trembling with fear, Wiglaf stayed by Beowulf’s side to help him fight. They were able to kill the dragon together. The souvenir was also a token of thanks. Another reason for the souvenirs could have been to burn it along with Beowulf’s dead body. Just like the beginning of the poem where Shild was burned on the boat with his treasures, Beowulf would have liked the same. This represents honor and rebirth. Since the Vikings sailed a lot, being burned on a boat sent them back to the waters where they first came from. Then Beowulf wanted his ashes put into the walls of a lighthouse built in his memory. He was a generous, selfless king who wanted to protect the Vikings and warriors at night who were at sea.
Elise – good insight and application to the plot and the warrior code.
I like your comparison between how Shild was sent to sea on a burning boat with treasures, and how Beowulf had a lighthouse built in his name to protect the Vikings at sea. It does prove that Beowulf was a very selfless king because he cared more about his people than himself.
I like how you mentioned that he would be rememberd as a trusted king, i did not think of that. But he certainly was a trusted king.
Elise, I like how you mention how the treasures will be burned along with Beowulf just like Shild in the beginning.
Beowulf decisions that he made with his treasure definitly follow the warrior code. I agree with Jess in her saying that the treasure that Beowulf had buried with him was a sign of his sucess and all his accomplishments over his life time. The treasure that he gave to Wiglaf was also a sign of respect and gratitude to him for staying with him throughout his reign as king and given to him with the hope that his reign will be just as great. I also agree with Melinda in the fact that Wiglaf did stay with Beowulf while all others fled. This was such a great sign of respect and honor that Beowulf noticed that he would definitly repay him for. Also, Beowulf had asked Wiglaf to build a tower on the edge of the sea in his memory. Filled with his treasures and built to remind them of their king, he tower will also guide the Geats and help Wiglaf to remember how his former king ruled and how to watch over his people.
I like how you incorporated the tower in your answer, i forgot how significant that was to Beowulf’s wishes.
The tower was very significant because he wanted everyone to see it and make sure that everyone knew that it was Beowulf’s tower.
I agree with you in the fact that the treasure was given to Wiglaf as a sign of respect and honor. I think Beowulf felt like he owed Wiglaf and that’s how he was to repay him. He gave him some of the dragons gold and named him the new king. Beowulf knew Wiglaf was a honorable man and he could be trusted.
Beowulf ask for the treasures because as a worrior they did defeated the dragon. Even if he was going to die he knew it was a noble death. And he wanted to be buried with the treasure so everone will know what he did. Also he gave some of the treasure Wiglaf because he stayed and killed the dragon with him.
Brandon – what exactly is a nobel death in relation to the warrior code?
I like how you said that even if he was going to die it would be a noble death, because of everything he overcomed to get there it was still honorable.
Dying Beowulf asked Wiglaf to bring the treasure to give Wiglaf a responsibility. The treasure is as a souvenir of victory from the battle of the fire dragon. It means protection of Beowulf’s kingdom. Seeing the treasure with Wiglaf, Beowulf made Wiglaf remembering the battle and bestowed Wiglaf the responsibility to defeat enemy to protect the kingdom like Beowulf did as well as.
Dying Beowulf asked Wiglaf to bring the treasure to give him a responsibility. The treasure is as souvenir of the battle of the fire dragon. It means that the treasure is a protection of Beowulf’s kingdom, Herot. Seeing and Showing the treasure with Wiglaf, Beowulf wanted to betow Wiglaf the responsibility to defeat enemies to protect the kingdom, Herot, like Beowulf had done as well as. The meaning of giving Wiglaf some treasure is that Beowulf selected Wiglaf the next king of Herot because Wiglaf was a only worrior with Beowulf when Beowulf fought the fire dragon.
*bestow*
Any insights on how your ideas relate to the warrior code?
The dying Beowulf asks Wiglaf to bring him some the dragon’s treasures so that he could be surrounded by the treasure in his funeral. He also wanted partial of the treasure as a reminder that he slayed the fire Dragon. Beowulf also requested that Wiglaf got the other half of the treasure, because he helped to defeat the dragon. The treasure would remind him of the heroic deed he did along side Beowulf. In terms of the warrior code, Wiglaf followed them correctly by trying to stand his ground and protect his king, and as reward, Beowulf passed on the throne to him once Beowulf had died.
I like how you said the gold Beowulf rewarded Wiglaf was for a reminder of Beowulf and the task they had just completed. I also agree with that. I think the gold was a sign of thank you but also a reminder of the slaying of the dragon. With the gold, Wiglaf will never forget Beowulf and his heroic deeds.
I also agree with the other reason of why Beowulf wanted Wiglaf to keep some of the treasures so that he too could be reminded of the battle. I didn’t think of it that way, I only thought he might have given it to him for a reward of staying with him.
The reason that Beowulf asks Wiglaf to bring him some of the dragon’s treasures was to keep them as a souvenir to proof that they defeated the dragon. He also wanted to honor Wiglaf for being such a brave warrior and not running away like the rest of them did because they were scared.
I like how you pointed out the fact that the other warriors ran away except Wiglaf, which proves the point why Wiglaf deserves the respect that he received from Beowulf.
Beowulf asked Wiglaf to bring him some of the dragon’s treasures because it resembled all of his triumphs and obstacles he had overcome during his lifetime. The treasure specifically resembled his victory over the dragon. This is very similar to why he cut off grendels head and took it back. Beowulf could have took what ever he wanted from all of the treasures he saw after he slayed Grendel’s mother and cut off Grendels head, but he only wanted the head to show everyone that he had defeated Grendel and they had nothing to be afraid of.The head was of more valuable to him then any riches in the world. The reason why he wanted to give some of the treasure to Wiglaf is because he wanted to give him a reward because when Beowulf needed his men the most, he was the only one who stayed by his side which is a perfect example of the warrior code. This is a great example of the warrior code due to the fact that a large part of the warrior code is showing respect, and giving the treasure to Wiglaf is how Beowulf showed his respect.
I love the route u took with the question, about Beowulf taking Grendel’s head as a “souviner” rather then using the obvious choice of the Dragon’s treasure. It really shows the various ways this question could be answered that I never thought of at first.
I agree with Jess. It was clever how you used the example of Grendel’s head as a souvenir instead of the dragon’s treasure.
you sure the treasure was for ALL those triumphs?
Shiloh, I like how you referred back to Beowulf’s battle with Grendel and compared it to the battle with the dragon.
Dying Beowulf asks Wiglaf to bring him some of the treasures, as a token of the “warrior code”. The warrior code is honor and loyalty, so bringing back the belongings will be a rememberance. This treasure specifically showed his victory with the dragon. It is respectful, and a “souvenir” to show everything they’ve done to honor them.
I like how you thought of how the treasures showed the victory when defeating the dragon, i thought of that too!
Great definition of the warrior code!
i agree with the description on the warrior code but wouldnt courage also be part of the code too?
Courage too, I didn’t think of that but it’s true.
Beowulf asks Wiglaf to bring him some of the dragons treasures as a souvenir to show that he defeated the dragon. This is similar to when he cut grendel ‘s head off and brought it back . He wanted everyone to know that he defeated Grendel. I also agree with jess in that he was buried with the treasures to show his success and accomplishments over his life time.He wanted it to be passed down generation to generation because it was worth alot of money. He wants to be remembered for his bravery ,his loyalty and trust as a king.He wanted everyone to know how he risked his life to save everyone.He gave Wiglaf some of the treasure because he was brave and stood by him the whole time . He also helped him defeat the dragon.Wiglaf stayed by his side even though all the other warriors fled.Wiglaf helping Beowulf is a great example of the warrior code. In the warrior code your supposed to be loyal and have courage .And thats what exactly what he did when he stayed by Bewoulfs side the whole time. He wanted it built to remind everyone of there king and how he ruled and watched over them.He asked Wiglaf to burn his body and the lighthouse where he was killed to show the sailors way and they put his ashes in the tower.Beowulf asked Wiglaf to build him a tower on the edge of the sea in his memory with all the treausres inside.The Greats come by to mourn him by singing songs about his greatness and heroism
i agree with jin that is a great definition of “warrior code”
I also like the definition of the warrior code. I like how you mentioned honor and loyalty and bring backs it’s remembrance because that’s was really what the warrior code was.
Beowulf asks Wiglaf to bring him some of the dragon’s treasures because it serves as a souvenir to his triumphs and to show the people that the evil dragon was slain. The custom of keeping a souvenir is similar in the 21st century. Whenever we go somewhere, people like to take postcards with them. Another example would be by getting jewelry from your grandmother to remember her by. Beowulf gave Wiglaf the gold because it’s a symbol that he was the only one that stood around and helped defeat the dragon while everyone else ran away like chickens. Also to show that Wiglaf helped defeat the dragon, so part of the gold was his. In the warrior code your suppose to be courageous and loyal. That is what Wiglaf did. He showed courage and loyalty by staying with Beowulf.
I like how you compared how Beowulf wanted the treasures as a souvenir, just like how someone takes postcards with them on a trip. They both have the same concept behind it, which is proof that it happened, or that they were there.
I agree with Shiloh because I like how Sevara compared the treasures to postcards.
Beowulf asked Wiglaf to bring him some of the treasures so he could be buried with a souvenir. I believe he wanted to be buried with the treasure to prove that he was victorious when fighting the dragon. This is similar to when someone dies in your family and you want to take something of theirs to remember them by. It will help you remember the times you had with that person and what you did with them and the memories it brings. Beowulf wanted the treasures because it is a symbol of how he defeated the dragon. It is also a sense of accomplishment to him. Beowulf gave Wiglaf the gold because its a sense of respect for standing by him through everything and helping him defeat the dragon. Wiglaf showed courage and loyalty just like the warrior code states so he deserved to get part of the gold also, for being a good warrior and friend to Beowulf.
Beowulf asked for the treasure of the dragon because he was defeated. When a warrior wins a battle they are rewarded with a victory token. Such as Grendals head when he was defeated. A personal example would be when me and my friend one at a game, we would get victory muffins. He gave some of the treasure to Wiglaf because he stayed by the laws of the warrior code and proved himself worthy. He might have not delivered the final blow but he stayed with courage as a warrior should. He would also be handing over the torch of Greatest Warrior to Wiglaf. The story ended as it started, with a great warrior dieing and another being born.
matt i like the personal connection you made with the muffins i thought it was humorous and made a valid point
Matt good connection to the muffins in your own personal life. Not only was this a valid point but you were also able to incorporate humor into your point. You are completely right with the story ending as it ended as you Beowulf passed down the torch of the greatest warrior to Wiglaf. This is just evidence of the reality that history is always repeating itself.
A possible reason Beowulf asks Wiglaf to bring him some of the dragon’s treasure is because Beowulf wanted to be sent away on his boat with the treasure as a souvenir from his battle with the dragon. It would also be a sign of respect to the king, Beowulf because of the great deed he has done for his kingdom. Beowulf wanted to give Wiglaf some of the gold because Wiglaf helped Beowulf kill the dragon. It is a sign of respect towards Wiglaf from the king.
Beowulf want the treasure as another trophy in a victorious battle again evil. I believe he want to give Wiglaf some of the treasure so that everyone may remember his epic greatness. The treasure will simbolize his last great deed to the world, and forever be a memory to all people who beloved him.
what about the warrior code?
Yes, Beowulf gave some of his treasure to Wiglaf so everyone can remember him, but I think it was also a thankful gesture. They were both able to slay the dragon together, so Beowulf wanted Wiglaf to have some.
Matt is right, where is the warrior code? Elmo, can you please elaborate on your response. Also it would have been nice if you had used a spell check.Symbolize, not Simbolize!
In class Mr.Stracco said that Wiglaf was the only person behind Beowulf while Beowulf was fighting. Beowulf tells Wiglaf to get the treasures. He tells him how he has taken the dragon’s life, but the gold is ours now. Wiglaf goes and finds all sorts of treasures. He saw piles of gleaming gold, precious gems, cups and bracelets, and a golden banner. It is significant because Beowulf won it, he beat the dragon. He also has been ruling for 50 years which now he is old and not that young. Another thing that Beowulf asks is to tell Wiglaf to lead Beowulf’s people,to help them. He also tells Wiglaf to tell the brave Geats to build him a tomb. Building this tower will always remember Beowulf’s name. It will be called Beowulf’s Tower. Beowulf says, “Boats in the darkness and mist, crossing the sea,will know it.” One more significant thing is he gives Wiglaf his necklace from around his throat. He also gave him his gold-covered helmet, his rings, and his mail shirt, and ordered Wiglaf to use them well. Giving Wiglaf the treasure was also a sign of respect. No one else stayed with Beowulf when he was fighting besides Wiglaf and that is why it is significant. These things are souvenir’s because Beowulf won the treasures. He beat the dragon and he will die as an honorable person. Part of the warrior code is Reputation. Kings were expected to be generous and hospitable. If you look at Beowulf you know he is generous and a nice guy. He is a hero and should be protected by thanes, but when times got bad Beowulf stepped in and took control to face the dragon one on one.
Ant – wow!! Good response as well as a good use of a quote to support your ideas. Keep going. Nice work.
Thank you!
I completely agree with your answer, I like how you mentioned the light house and how it would be built in memory of him and still guide those in the dark. I also agree with the way you explained the warrior code because it is true that that the king should always be loyal to his people and help them when they need it.
Beowulf asked Wiglaf to bring him some of the treasures from the dragons den because he wanted to show his victory and honor. He defeated the dragon for his people and defended his land like a true noble king should do. The treasure was his reward from the victory and he wanted to die with it. The treasure was a sign of winning a battle. Beowulf wanted to die with honor. This was the warrior code, to die with honor and have fame after death, just as the king did in the beginning. Beowulf may have wanted to give Wiglaf some of his treasure as well as a thank you or sign of respect for helping him in the battle when everyone else ran of fear. Together, Beowulf and Wiglaf defeated the fire breathing villain and gained the dragons treasure. It wasn’t only Beowulf’s. The two of them worked very well together and Beowulf knew he could not have done it without his cousin. Wiglaf deserved the prize and Beowulf knew that. The jewels from the dragon would be a symbol of Beowulf just as the lighthouse will be. This is Beowulf’s fame after death.
interesting and thoughtful response, Mike
I like the part about fame after death. It was clever how you tied the ending back to the beginning of the poem.
Beowulf asks Wiglaf to bring him some of the dragon’s treasures mainly because of the fact that he wanted a souvenir from another one of his glorious battles. It is just as saying if someone went on a really great trip they would want to bring back a souvenir from where they went. It’s basically evidence that they went there just like Beowulf probably wanted evidence for people to know that he really did beat the powerful dragon. Also the fact that he probably wouldn’t be able to broadcast that he beat the dragon, since he was dying from the venom, would also be another reason that he wanted the treasure to be brought to him. Also he wanted to leave some of the treasures with Wiglaf because he was the only brave one left of Beowulf’s men that stood by his side no matter what. It was basically his reward besides being the one known as the only one that stood with Beowulf during that battle. Lastly, the warrior code meant that the king should reward the warrior after defeating a beast with something in return. In Beowulf’s case of beating the dragon, his reward was to be buried with some of the treasures that the dragon had was protecting.
I like how you said that the souvenirs is just evidence that it happened.
Beowulf requests this of Wiglaf because he knew that a battle won means nothing to anyone else without the treasure as proof of victory. Though everyone knew he had defeated the fire dragon Beowulf wanted to give his people more. He wanted to be able to relish in the victory in the afterlife. Because then he would truly be remembered amongst his people as the greatest warrior ever. A true hero. Because the greatest honor for a hero, is to be remembered after death for the deeds you have done.
Goood call Mike, you truly brought out the qualities of both Beowulf and Wiglaf and how they bring out the honor of the warrior code in each other. You are correct on that they are both great heroes and I could not agree with you more.
Great job mike! i agree with what your saying about how he wants to be remembered after death and how he wanted to share his winnings with his people. great response but don’t forget about Wiglaf and how he received a gift from Beowulf.
In Beowulf, the Warrior Code is essentially a set of battle customs, where treasures are taken as mementos from the dragon’s lair to symbolize victory for Beowulf, now a king, with some to be given to loyal warriors for their service and devotion to Beowulf. As an example, Beowulf rewards Wiglaf with treasure from the dragon’s lair. Today, we might refer to this gesture as a “token of appreciation” for a job well done. For Beowulf, the treasure is also a souvenir that commands admiration.
Beowulf wanted the treasures of the dead dragon as a souvenir because this represented what he had accomplished when he was alive. This is yet another way of representing how much the geats valued fame after death. Beowulf gave Wiglaf a mommento so that he will not be forgotton and also because Wiglaf was someone that Beowulf was able to trust.
The reason behind why the dying Beowulf asks Wiglaf to return treasures of the dragon to him is not only a souvenir to him but a token of the feats that he had just accomplished. When Beowulf also told Wiglaf to take some of the treasure for himself, Beowulf wanted Wiglaf to have something to remember him by and keep the legend of Beowulf alive. This exemplifies the honor code to show that Wiglaf honors Beowulf and is willing to keep his story alive and keep the legend about. Beowulf hands off the torch to Wiglaf who takes it with pride and carries through with the warrior code.
Before Beowulf died he wanted Wiglaf to bring some of the dead Fire Dragon’s treasure as a souvenir. The reason is because he believes that a person that is still famous after his death, has achieved the highest level of fame. He also wanted to show his victory and strength. Beowulf gave Wiglaf some of the treasure as a memento because he was following the Warrior Code and giving Wiglaf, the person helping him defeat the dragon treasure to show his appreciation.
The reason why Beowulf asks Wiglaf to bring some of the dragons treasure is to have it stored in the lighthouse that he had wanted built right by the shore side. He had wanted people to remember him for his heroic deeds. He had wanted to be buried with some of these treasures. He had wanted to give a souvenir to Wiglaf for him being there and abiding by the Warrior Code and assisting him in the death of the fire dragon.
Beowulf asks Wiglaf to bring him some of the dragons treasures because Beowulf feels death will be easier if he sees the hoard he has liberated. It is customary for the treasures Beowulf obtained over his life to be entombed with him as per the heroic code. It is also customary to be buried with a souvenir from a successful battle because the souvenir represents Beowulf’s valor. Beowulf knows that Wiglaf is the only warrior who conformed to the heroic standards of loyalty and valor when he came to Beowulf’s aids fighting the dragon. Beowulf gives Wiglaf the collar from his neck. This symbolizes the continuity of honor from one generation to the next. Beowulf wants Wiglaf to have some of the treasures because he is the new hero.
i agree with why Wiglaf was given a token but i disagree with why Beowulf wanted the treasure. The custom is that a king is to be buried with treasure of his people, which is supposed to be their way to return to a generous king. Beowulf is basically saying that the treasure he has won does not belong to him, it belongs to his people.
I believe that the reason Beowulf asked for Wiglaf to bring him the dragon’s treasure is because the custom is that the king is buried with the donations of his people. Therefore Beowulf is saying that the money he wins will be given to his kingdom. Beowulf did not want to keep a memento for himself because he knew he was dying. His intentions were to give Wiglaf proof of his role in the battle and as badge of his show of bravery and honor. Beowulf does fulfill his goal of achieving glory after death because of his tomb. His people built him a lighthouse for his history to be remembered and celebrated.