Summary
While Beowulf's other warriors flee in terror, young Wiglaf stands firm. He remembers everything Beowulf gave him—land, weapons, honor—and refuses to abandon his lord now. This isn't just about duty; it's about gratitude and integrity. Wiglaf shames the other warriors, reminding them of their promises made over mead cups in better times. He'd rather die fighting beside Beowulf than live as a coward. When Wiglaf joins the battle, Beowulf strikes the dragon with his famous sword Nægling, but the blade shatters. His strength is so great that no weapon can withstand it—a cruel irony that his very power destroys the tools he needs. The dragon, now in its third attack, seizes Beowulf by the neck with poisonous fangs, and blood flows freely. This chapter shows us the difference between fair-weather friends and true allies. When the stakes are highest and the outcome uncertain, most people disappear. But rare individuals like Wiglaf step forward, not because they're fearless, but because their values matter more than their safety. His loyalty isn't blind—he knows this might be a suicide mission. But he also knows that some things are worth dying for, and abandoning someone who believed in you isn't an option. The breaking of Beowulf's sword symbolizes how even our greatest strengths can become liabilities, and how we sometimes need others most when we appear strongest.
Coming Up in Chapter 37
With Beowulf wounded and bleeding from the dragon's venomous bite, only Wiglaf stands between the hero and certain death. The young warrior must prove that loyalty means more than just standing by someone—sometimes it means taking action when they can't.
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An excerpt from the original text.(complete · 911 words)
WIGLAF THE TRUSTY.--BEOWULF IS DESERTED BY FRIENDS AND BY SWORD.
{Wiglaf remains true--the ideal Teutonic liegeman.}
The son of Weohstan was Wiglaf entitled,
Shield-warrior precious, prince of the Scylfings,
Ælfhere's kinsman: he saw his dear liegelord
Enduring the heat 'neath helmet and visor.
5 Then he minded the holding that erst he had given him,
{Wiglaf recalls Beowulf's generosity.}
The Wægmunding warriors' wealth-blessèd homestead,
Each of the folk-rights his father had wielded;
He was hot for the battle, his hand seized the target,
The yellow-bark shield, he unsheathed his old weapon,
10 Which was known among earthmen as the relic of Eanmund,
Ohthere's offspring, whom, exiled and friendless,
Weohstan did slay with sword-edge in battle,
And carried his kinsman the clear-shining helmet,
The ring-made burnie, the old giant-weapon
15 That Onela gave him, his boon-fellow's armor,
Ready war-trappings: he the feud did not mention,
Though he'd fatally smitten the son of his brother.
Many a half-year held he the treasures,
The bill and the burnie, till his bairn became able,
20 Like his father before him, fame-deeds to 'complish;
Then he gave him 'mong Geatmen a goodly array of
Weeds for his warfare; he went from life then
Old on his journey. 'Twas the earliest time then
{This is Wiglaf's first battle as liegeman of Beowulf.}
That the youthful champion might charge in the battle
25 Aiding his liegelord; his spirit was dauntless.
Nor did kinsman's bequest quail at the battle:
This the dragon discovered on their coming together.
Wiglaf uttered many a right-saying,
Said to his fellows, sad was his spirit:
{Wiglaf appeals to the pride of the cowards.}
30 "I remember the time when, tasting the mead-cup,
We promised in the hall the lord of us all
[89] Who gave us these ring-treasures, that this battle-equipment,
Swords and helmets, we'd certainly quite him,
Should need of such aid ever befall him:
{How we have forfeited our liegelord's confidence!}
35 In the war-band he chose us for this journey spontaneously,
Stirred us to glory and gave me these jewels,
Since he held and esteemed us trust-worthy spearmen,
Hardy helm-bearers, though this hero-achievement
Our lord intended alone to accomplish,
40 Ward of his people, for most of achievements,
Doings audacious, he did among earth-folk.
{Our lord is in sore need of us.}
The day is now come when the ruler of earthmen
Needeth the vigor of valiant heroes:
Let us wend us towards him, the war-prince to succor,
45 While the heat yet rageth, horrible fire-fight.
{I would rather die than go home with out my suzerain.}
God wot in me, 'tis mickle the liefer
The blaze should embrace my body and eat it
With my treasure-bestower. Meseemeth not proper
To bear our battle-shields back to our country,
50 'Less first we are able to fell and destroy the
Long-hating foeman, to defend the life of
{Surely he does not deserve to die alone.}
The prince of the Weders. Well do I know 'tisn't
Earned by his exploits, he only of Geatmen
Sorrow should suffer, sink in the battle:
55 Brand and helmet to us both shall be common,
[1]Shield-cover, burnie." Through the bale-smoke he stalked then,
Went under helmet to the help of his chieftain,
{Wiglaf reminds Beowulf of his youthful boasts.}
Briefly discoursing: "Beowulf dear,
Perform thou all fully, as thou formerly saidst,
60 In thy youthful years, that while yet thou livedst
[90] Thou wouldst let thine honor not ever be lessened.
Thy life thou shalt save, mighty in actions,
Atheling undaunted, with all of thy vigor;
{The monster advances on them.}
I'll give thee assistance." The dragon came raging,
65 Wild-mooded stranger, when these words had been uttered
('Twas the second occasion), seeking his enemies,
Men that were hated, with hot-gleaming fire-waves;
With blaze-billows burned the board to its edges:
The fight-armor failed then to furnish assistance
70 To the youthful spear-hero: but the young-agèd stripling
Quickly advanced 'neath his kinsman's war-target,
Since his own had been ground in the grip of the fire.
{Beowulf strikes at the dragon.}
Then the warrior-king was careful of glory,
He soundly smote with sword-for-the-battle,
75 That it stood in the head by hatred driven;
Nægling was shivered, the old and iron-made
{His sword fails him.}
Brand of Beowulf in battle deceived him.
'Twas denied him that edges of irons were able
To help in the battle; the hand was too mighty
80 [2]Which every weapon, as I heard on inquiry,
Outstruck in its stroke, when to struggle he carried
The wonderful war-sword: it waxed him no better.
{The dragon advances on Beowulf again.}
Then the people-despoiler--third of his onsets--
Fierce-raging fire-drake, of feud-hate was mindful,
85 Charged on the strong one, when chance was afforded,
Heated and war-grim, seized on his neck
With teeth that were bitter; he bloody did wax with
Soul-gore seething; sword-blood in waves boiled.
[1] The passage '_Brand ... burnie_,' is much disputed. In the first
place, some eminent critics assume a gap of at least two
half-verses.--'Úrum' (2660), being a peculiar form, has been much
discussed. 'Byrdu-scrúd' is also a crux. B. suggests 'býwdu-scrúd' =
_splendid vestments_. Nor is 'bám' accepted by all, 'béon' being
suggested. Whatever the individual words, the passage must mean, "_I
intend to share with him my equipments of defence_."
[2] B. would render: _Which, as I heard, excelled in stroke every
sword that he carried to the strife, even the strongest (sword)._ For
'Þonne' he reads 'Þone,' rel. pr.
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Intelligence Amplifier™ Analysis
The Road of True Loyalty - When Crisis Reveals Character
Extreme pressure separates genuine allies from fair-weather friends, revealing who stands with you when support has real costs.
Why This Matters
Connect literature to life
This chapter teaches how to distinguish between conditional support and genuine loyalty by observing who stands with you when it costs them something.
Practice This Today
This week, notice who in your life offers help only when it's easy versus who shows up when supporting you might be inconvenient or risky.
Now let's explore the literary elements.
Terms to Know
Liegeman
A warrior who swears loyalty to a lord in exchange for protection, land, and gifts. This wasn't just a job - it was a sacred bond that defined your identity and honor.
Modern Usage:
Like being part of a tight-knit team at work where you'd never throw your boss under the bus, even when things get rough.
Comitatus
The warrior-band culture where fighters lived together, fought together, and shared loyalty unto death. Breaking this bond was the ultimate disgrace.
Modern Usage:
Think of military units, sports teams, or work crews where 'we don't leave anyone behind' isn't just a motto - it's who you are.
Wergild
The idea that honor and gifts create debts that must be repaid. Wiglaf remembers everything Beowulf gave him and feels obligated to stand by him.
Modern Usage:
When someone helps you get a job or covers for you repeatedly, and you feel you owe them loyalty even when it's inconvenient.
Wyrd
Fate or destiny - the Anglo-Saxon belief that some things are meant to happen, but how you face them shows your character.
Modern Usage:
Like knowing you might get laid off but showing up and doing your best work anyway because that's who you are.
Mead-hall promises
Oaths made during good times when warriors boasted about their loyalty over drinks. Easy to make when safe, hard to keep when tested.
Modern Usage:
Promises made at office parties or family gatherings that you have to honor when the situation gets real and uncomfortable.
Battle-tested loyalty
The difference between people who stick around when things are easy versus those who stay when everything falls apart.
Modern Usage:
Friends who disappear when you're going through a divorce versus the one who shows up with pizza and listens to you vent.
Characters in This Chapter
Wiglaf
Loyal warrior
The only warrior who stays to fight beside Beowulf against the dragon. He remembers his debts and refuses to abandon his lord, even facing almost certain death.
Modern Equivalent:
The coworker who stays late to help you finish a project when everyone else has gone home
Beowulf
Aging hero
Fighting his final battle, he discovers his great strength now works against him as his sword breaks. He needs help but his warriors have fled.
Modern Equivalent:
The experienced supervisor whose expertise becomes a liability in new situations
The fleeing warriors
Fair-weather friends
They promised loyalty in good times but abandon Beowulf when the dragon proves too dangerous. Their cowardice highlights Wiglaf's courage.
Modern Equivalent:
Friends who ghost you when you're going through a tough time and need support most
The dragon
Final test
Represents the ultimate challenge that reveals true character. It attacks Beowulf with poisonous fangs, showing that even heroes face mortality.
Modern Equivalent:
The crisis that shows who really has your back when everything is on the line
Key Quotes & Analysis
"He saw his dear liegelord enduring the heat 'neath helmet and visor"
Context: Wiglaf watches Beowulf struggling alone against the dragon
This moment of witnessing suffering triggers Wiglaf's decision to act. True loyalty isn't just about grand gestures - it's about seeing when someone needs help and stepping up.
In Today's Words:
He saw his boss getting overwhelmed and knew he had to step in
"Then he minded the holding that erst he had given him"
Context: Wiglaf remembers all the gifts and opportunities Beowulf provided
Gratitude becomes the foundation for courage. Wiglaf doesn't act from blind duty but from remembered kindness and genuine debt.
In Today's Words:
He remembered everything his mentor had done for him
"His spirit was dauntless"
Context: Describing Wiglaf as he prepares to enter his first major battle
Courage isn't the absence of fear - it's acting despite fear. Wiglaf is terrified but his values override his terror.
In Today's Words:
He was scared but refused to back down
Thematic Threads
Loyalty
In This Chapter
Wiglaf chooses to fight beside Beowulf while other warriors flee, demonstrating loyalty based on gratitude and values rather than self-interest
Development
Evolved from earlier themes of warrior bonds to show what true loyalty looks like under ultimate pressure
In Your Life:
You'll discover who your real friends are during your worst moments, not your best ones.
Class
In This Chapter
The class difference between warriors becomes clear—some prove their nobility through action while others reveal themselves as pretenders
Development
Continues the theme that true nobility comes from character, not birth or position
In Your Life:
Your real worth shows up in how you act when it costs you something, not when it benefits you.
Identity
In This Chapter
Wiglaf's identity is so tied to honor and gratitude that he'd rather die than live as someone who abandons his lord
Development
Shows how strong identity creates non-negotiable behaviors even in life-threatening situations
In Your Life:
When your actions align with your deepest values, you can live with the consequences even when they're painful.
Strength and Vulnerability
In This Chapter
Beowulf's greatest strength—his physical power—becomes a weakness when it destroys his own sword
Development
Introduced here as a cruel irony showing how our advantages can become disadvantages
In Your Life:
Your greatest strength can become your biggest liability if you don't recognize its limits.
Human Relationships
In This Chapter
The chapter contrasts shallow promises made in comfort with deep commitment shown in crisis
Development
Deepens the exploration of what makes relationships genuine versus transactional
In Your Life:
The people who matter most are those who show up when showing up is difficult.
You now have the context. Time to form your own thoughts.
Discussion Questions
- 1
What specific reasons does Wiglaf give for staying to fight beside Beowulf when the other warriors flee?
analysis • surface - 2
Why does Beowulf's sword shatter at the crucial moment, and what does this reveal about the relationship between strength and tools?
analysis • medium - 3
Think about a crisis in your workplace, family, or community. Who stayed loyal and who disappeared? What separated the two groups?
application • medium - 4
If you were in Wiglaf's position - knowing the fight was probably hopeless but feeling genuine gratitude to someone who invested in you - what would guide your decision?
application • deep - 5
What does this chapter suggest about the difference between loyalty based on personal gain versus loyalty based on values and gratitude?
reflection • deep
Critical Thinking Exercise
Map Your Crisis Network
Draw three circles: your inner circle (5 people), middle circle (15 people), and outer circle (everyone else). Now imagine facing a serious crisis - job loss, health scare, family emergency. Mark each person in your circles as likely to 'show up,' 'disappear,' or 'unknown.' Then flip it: mark yourself in other people's circles during their crises.
Consider:
- •Notice patterns - are your 'show up' people concentrated in certain areas of your life?
- •Consider what makes someone reliable in crisis versus fair weather
- •Think about whether you're someone others can count on when it costs you something
Journaling Prompt
Write about a time when someone showed up for you when they didn't have to, or when you had to choose between safety and loyalty. What guided those decisions?
Coming Up Next...
Chapter 37: The Final Victory and Its Price
The coming pages reveal true partnership emerges in crisis moments, and teach us reflecting on your legacy matters before it's too late. These discoveries help us navigate similar situations in our own lives.