While in the service of the Scylfing Onela, king of the Swedes, Weohstan killed the rebel prince Eanmund and took his sword as a trophy; Wiglaf later inherited it. Once they abandon Beowulf, Wiglaf urges his colleagues to return to Beowulf’s aid, as is dictated by the comitatus (the oath to serve one’s lord). Ten of the Geat warriors—the ones who abandoned Beowulf and Wiglaf earlier—creep back to the scene of the battle. All the warriors save Wiglaf flee. Paraphrase lines 737-738. B. Wiglaf rightly accuses them of running when they vowed to fight. © 2020 Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. They have literally shared a baptism of fire, the test of battle that is the only criterion earning Beowulf's trust. Although Wiglaf is not his offspring, Beowulf thinks of him as a son when the dying king, unable to stand, briefly reflects on his life and passes control of Geatland on to the brave young retainer. He is the only warrior brave enough to stay and help Beowulf fight the dragon. What does Hrothgar caution Beowulf against? What advantage does Beowulf have in his fight with... What two trophies does Beowulf return with in the... What was unusual about the way Beowulf fought... What culture was Hrothgar part of in Beowulf? This is the honor code that exists between the king, or feudal lord, and his warriors, sometimes called "thanes" or "retainers." Silently, they watch Wiglaf try to revive Beowulf with water, but the king is dead. Beowulf is an epic poem written in Old English that paints for readers a picture of Beowulf, a Geat hero, who slays monsters, becomes a king, and eventually dies honorably in combat defending his kingdom from a viscous dragon. and your ship. C. He defeats the dragon because Beowulf is wounded and cannot do it. Wiglaf aids Beowulf in his battle with the dragon because Wiglaf is loyal to Beowulf. Wiglaf: only soldier who stayed to help Beowulf slay the dragon. He's learned humility or else he realizes he can't live up to it. The dragon bytes Beowulf on the neck with his huge, poisonous fangs. What are some illustrations from the surviving... Who was the oldest manuscript of Beowulf willed... What was left in the oldest surviving manuscript... What does Beowulf use to kill Grendel's mother? At the end of the epic poem Beowulf, Beowulf asks that his warriors stay behind while he goes to slay the dragon. Wiglaf and Beowulf are similar to each other because both of them have courage, loyalty, and bravery:Wiglaf shows these characteristics when he stays to help Beowulf … Consistent with the heroic code, they promised to come to the assistance of their king if he ever needed them. In exchange for his protection and gifts, they all had vowed to fight for their king whenever he needed them. Wiglaf is a young warrior in the service of his king, Beowulf. To appease fate. Why did Wiglaf help Beowulf? Why did Wiglaf think he should help Beowulf? - Character Traits & Analysis, Beowulf Lesson for Kids: Story, Summary & Facts, Beowulf Strength Quotes: Examples & Analysis, Beowulf Pride Quotes: Examples & Analysis, Grendel's Battle with Beowulf: Character & Summary, Loyalty Quotes in Beowulf: Examples & Analysis, Christianity in Beowulf: Themes & Examples, Lord Randall: Summary, Interpretation & Analysis, The Canterbury Tales: Social Class & Status, College English Literature: Help and Review, 10th Grade English: Homework Help Resource, Praxis English Language Arts - Content & Analysis (5039): Practice & Study Guide, Holt McDougal Literature Grade 9 Common Core Edition: Online Textbook Help, Biological and Biomedical answer choices . His spirit did not break and the ancestral blade would keep its edge, as the dragon discovered as soon as they came together in the combat. The blood of the Dragon was poisonous and when he did bite Beowulf, he died.Wiglaf went back to fight the Dragon and later was sent back to the cave to get some of the treasure he won over for Beowulf. Beside them, the dragon lies dead. Wiglaf chides the other warriors, reminding them of their oaths of loyal service to Beowulf. All rights reserved. He attempts to shame them into action, but no one returns. CliffsNotes study guides are written by real teachers and professors, so no matter what you're studying, CliffsNotes can ease your homework headaches and help you score high on exams. As Beowulf bleeds all over the cave, Wiglaf finds the dragon's weak spot on its neck and hits it with his sword. Wiglaf (Old English Wīġlāf pronunciation: is a character in the Anglo-Saxon epic poem Beowulf. Because he promised . Wiglaf, filled with loyalty, dives below to help his thane. In the battle Wiglaf’s hand is burned “as he helped his king” (1619), sacrificing his own body to help Beowulf. When he realizes that Beowulf is in serious jeopardy in his battle with the dragon, Wiglaf calls to the other 10 retainers who accompanied the king to the barrow and reminds them of the promises they have made to their leader. (Technically, retainers would be of higher rank, but the words are often used interchangeably.) Wiglaf calls to the other ten retainers and reminds them of the promises that they made to Beowulf. D. He recovers the treasure from the dragon. Earn Transferable Credit & Get your Degree, Get access to this video and our entire Q&A library. Wiglaf gathers some of the treasure and returns to Beowulf, who thanks God that he could win such treasures for his people before he dies. If he is not as mighty as his heroic predecessor, he certainly lacks nothing in courage and loyalty. They obey, but when Beowulf's duel with the dragon goes south, the warriors flee in terror. All the warriors save Wiglaf flee. Wiglaf is the only one willing to risk his life to help his ruler. A. His generosity is one of the virtues for which he is admired. Wiglaf watches Beowulf's death-agonies. Are you sure you want to remove #bookConfirmation# The other thanes do not return. -Beowulf doesn't boast as before when he goes to confront the dragon. All other trademarks and copyrights are the property of their respective owners. why does wiglaf think he and his comrades should help beowulf fight the dragon? Beowulf initially intends to fight the dragon alone, but his plan does not go well. Even though Beowulf intended to deal with the dragon one-on-one, he now clearly needs help. What values are reflected in Beowulf’s speech? He is the only warrior left alive after the battle between Beowulf and the dragon. 38 I have heard how Wiglaf descended into the barrow where he saw the great hoard: jewels, gold, cups, vessels, and arm-rings. Our experts can answer your tough homework and study questions. He has the same grit and tenacity as Beowulf. Beowulf also ordered Wiglaf to construct a massive funeral pyre for his burial at Whale's Cliff. He is the son of Weohstan, a Swede of the Wægmunding clan who had entered the service of Beowulf, king of the Geats. Services, Working Scholars® Bringing Tuition-Free College to the Community. -Line 2487, Wiglaf feels it's his duty to help the king. bookmarked pages associated with this title. Beowulf falls into two parts. Tags: Question 33 . Why does Wiglaf inherit the kingdom? Beowulf specifically requests that his warriors stay behind. Losing his shield to the dragon's flames, Wiglaf hides behind Beowulf's, and they renew the attack. Wiglaf is called Scylfing as a metonym for Swede, as the Scylfings were the ruling Swedish clan. Both, the dragon and Beowulf, fall. They obey, but when Beowulf's duel with the dragon goes south, the warriors flee in terror. The one retainer who comes to Beowulf's aid in the battle against the dragon represents the theme of loyalty in the system of the comitatus. Together they slay the dragon. Essay on The Role of Wiglaf in Beowulf 1154 Words | 5 Pages. To get treasure. answer choices . We are told that he is a kinsman of Beowulf, the last of the Waegmunding clan. The Dragon was fire-breathing and melted the sword causing Beowulf to battle without a weapon. For his part, the leader rewards his thanes with treasure, protection, and land. Removing #book# Beowulf is a 2007 3D computer-animated fantasy action film directed and co-produced by Robert Zemeckis, written by Neil Gaiman and Roger Avary and based on the Old English epic poem of the same name.Starring the voices of Ray Winstone, Anthony Hopkins, Robin Wright, Brendan Gleeson, John Malkovich, Crispin Glover, Alison Lohman and Angelina Jolie, the film features human characters … It is only with Wiglaf's help that Beowulf is able to defeat the dragon—Wiglaf's timely sword-stroke gives Beowulf the opportunity to stab the dragon in the side and kill it once and for all. What does Wiglaf suggest is the reason Beowulf has failed to defeat the dragon? SURVEY . Wiglaf he was called, son of Weohstan, noble shield-fighter, man of the Scylfings, Source(s) Beowulf Free of evil, fight. from your Reading List will also remove any Thanes swear devotion to their leader and vow to fight boldly, to the death if necessary, for him. 9. Beowulf further asked Wiglaf to seek out the dragon's treasure and describe it to him, thus giving him comfort knowing about this part of the legacy he was leaving to his country. Time Period of Beowulf: Historical Background, Who Was Beowulf? Tags: mead-halls. Sciences, Culinary Arts and Personal Click to see full answer. All rights reserved. A young knight who has never before seen battle, Wiglaf steps forward to help his lord, hero, and cousin Beowulf in a time of peril. It is Wiglaf's blow that slows the serpent and decreases his firepower, thus enabling Beowulf to manage one last thrust with a knife that opens the dragon's belly and kills him. and any corresponding bookmarks? in the past they had promised to reapy Beowulf's kindness with their lives when Beowulf is dying from the dragon, he gives Wiglaf his old necklace. 11. Wiglaf is the old King Beowulf's most loyal warrior. Wiglaf first appears in Lines 2602-2603. Wiggle thinks he and his comrades should help Beowulf fight the dragon because in the past they promised to When dying, Beowulf gives Wiglaf his golden necklace the gesture means Hereof, what did the dragon do in Beowulf? Wiglaf, Weoxstan’s son, feels that it is his duty to help his lord, Beowulf, because the warrior hand selected him and his partners. Which is a universal theme in the epic Beowulf? Thanks to Wiglaf's help, Beowulf slays the dragon. In Beowulf's finals moments, Wiglaf is there, grief-stricken, with his thane. The other warriors fear and respect him. © copyright 2003-2020 Study.com. -They fight for our country because they are passionate,patriotic, and because they have fighting cause. Wiglaf, one of Beowulf’s kinsmen and thanes, is the only warrior brave enough to help the hero in his fight against the dragon. 8. With his failure in battle and resulting death, the narrator shows that Beowulf is, after all, a prideful and mortal being; thus begins the transfer … It is Wiglaf's blow that slows the serpent and decreases his firepower, thus enabling Beowulf to manage one last thrust with a knife that opens the dragon's belly and kills him. CITATIONS: YouTube WWW.PEOPLE.COM Soldiers vs Beowulf Modern: -Comes from any different shapes and sizes Soldiers: - Soldiers get paid to fight for our country. There are many characters that help Beowulf through his troubles and battles. Similarities: It opens in Denmark, where King Hrothgar’s splendid mead hall, Heorot, has been ravaged for 12 years by nightly visits from an evil monster, Grendel, who carries off Hrothgar’s warriors and devours them.Unexpectedly, young Beowulf, a prince of the Geats of southern Sweden, arrives with a small band of retainers and offers to cleanse Heorot of its monster. He tells Wiglaf to look after the Geats when he is gone. In the poem Beowulf there are many characters that play important roles. Wiglaf is the only one willing to risk his life to help his ruler. Wiglaf conforms perfectly to the heroic code in that he is willing to die attempting to defeat the opponent and, more importantly, to save his lord. Just before Beowulf died he took off his golden collar and gave it to Wiglaf, calling him "the last of … Beowulf then asks that a barrow be built on a cliff overlooking the sea that sea travelers will later call Beowulf's barrow. Seeing his liege lord in trouble, Wiglaf, unlike Beowulf's other companions, rushes in to help. Both wiglaf and hrothgar appear to take on the role of father figures to beowulf. He is also a natural leader. One of the most loyal and crucial of these characters is Wiglaf. What does it add to the movie plot? Only one, Wiglaf, feels enough loyalty to come to the aid of his king. In this regard, Wiglaf appears as a reflection of the young Beowulf in the first part of the story—a warrior who is strong, fearless, valiant, and loyal. Wiglaf rushes to the aid of Beowulf, only to have his wool shield be burnt by the dragons fierce fire; still, Wiglaf continues to help his lord. Now the time has come when their loyalty will be tested, Wiglaf declares, and he goes by himself to assist his lord. 30 seconds . The Role of Wiglaf in Beowulf Seemingly minor character Wiglaf plays a central role in the conclusion of Beowulf. Beowulf asks Wiglaf to be the next leader because Wiglaf a. defeats the dragon alone b. asks to be the Geats’ next leader c. stands with Beowulf to fight the dragon d. shows more strength than Beowulf does ANS: C 10. He declares that he would rather be burned to death than to abandon his king, and he rushes to Beowulf's defense. A young knight who has never before seen battle, Wiglaf steps forward to help his lord, hero, and cousin Beowulf in a time of peril. His thanes went to woods for safety. -He faces the dragon alone. Wiglaf was willing to die by Beowulf's side. Rising to this task, Wiglaf is presented as the embodiment of Anglo-Saxon heroism – exhibiting bravery, pursuing fame, practicing fealty, and following the … Wiglaf has earned the right to rule, not inherited it. At the end of Beowulf, the hero Beowulf goes alone to slay a dragon. He recalls a time when he and the other ten received rings and the very armor that they now have with them from Beowulf. Get the entire Beowulf LitChart as a printable PDF. Which is an example of alliteration? When the others flee, Wiglaf says … What does the behavior of the warriors confirm about human nature when face with danger? Q. He declares that he would rather be burned to death than to abandon his king, and he rushes to Beowulf's defense. Beowulf manages to stab the dragon with a sharp knife from his vest. Wiglaf rules the Geats after Beowulf dies from wounds suffered in the battle against the dragon, but the narrator makes it clear that Wiglaf cannot match Beowulf as a king and that the Geats will face hard times. Beowulf specifically requests that his warriors stay behind. Analyze their influence on the hero: Wiglaf influences Beowulf to do better and be a hero, Hrothgar just wants him to defeat Grendel and be glorified: Why is the scene where Grendel’s mother seduces Beowulf added to the movie? In Beowulf's last battle as he attempts to slay the dragon, all of his warriors desert him except Wiglaf. The bond between Beowulf and Wiglaf is apparent as the king speaks to the young man and Wiglaf tries to comfort him. To get fame. (691-694) 10. Slays the dragon with a sharp knife from his vest which is a character the! 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