Beowulf And Wiglaf (Lines 2711–2845) Summary & Analysis

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Beowulf Introduction + Context Plot Summary Detailed Summary & Analysis Prologue (Lines 1–63) Hrothgar’s Early Reign (Lines 64–85) Grendel Attacks (Lines 86–193) Beowulf Arrives (Lines 194–490) A Feast at Heorot (Lines 491–701) Beowulf vs. Grendel (Lines 702–836) Celebration (Lines 837–1250) Grendel’s Mother (Lines 1251–1407) A Second Fight (Lines 1408–1639) New Celebration (Lines 1640–1912) Beowulf at Home (Lines 1913–2199) The Dragon (Lines 2200–2323) Facing the Dragon (Lines 2324–2710) Beowulf and Wiglaf (Lines 2711–2845) Wiglaf Speaks (Lines 2846–3109) Beowulf’s Funeral (Lines 3110–3182) Themes All Themes Family and Tribe Good Warriors and Good Kings Fame, Pride, and Shame Repetition and Change Christianity and Paganism Quotes Characters All Characters Beowulf Hrothgar Wiglaf Unferth Grendel Dragon Symbols All Symbols Heorot and Mead-Halls Gold, Treasure, and Gifts Literary Devices All Literary Devices Alliteration Allusions Foil Foreshadowing Genre Hyperbole Idioms Imagery Irony Metaphors Mood Pathos Personification Setting Similes Style Tone Verbal Irony Download PDF Download Teacher Edition

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Beowulf: Beowulf and Wiglaf (Lines 2711–2845) Summary & Analysis

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Themes and Colors Key LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in Beowulf, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.

Family and Tribe

Good Warriors and Good Kings

Fame, Pride, and Shame

Repetition and Change

Christianity and Paganism Summary Analysis Beowulf sits near the wall of the cave as Wiglaf washes his wound. Beowulf tells Wiglaf that he knows he is dying and that he wishes he had a son to leave his armor to, an heir to follow after him. He takes stock of his life: he ruled for fifty years, no enemy dared confront him, he never sought feuds, and never made improper oaths, or killed kinsman. In his last moments, Beowulf focuses more on his good qualities as a king than as a warrior. Yet one responsibility of a king is a stable succession. Since he had no son, it was foolish for Beowulf to risk his life. Active Themes Quotes Beowulf asks Wiglaf to bring him the treasure so that he can die knowing that he won it.Wiglaf enters the barrow, and sees the fabulous gold and jewels, rich cups, arm rings, helmets "with none to polish them," all lying in heaps. The treasure hoard, without a people to use and "polish" it, is useless. It is only as a means of creating bonds in society that treasure has value. Active Themes 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. He tells Wiglaf to look after the Geats when he is gone. Beowulf then asks that a barrow be built on a cliff overlooking the sea that sea travelers will later call Beowulf's barrow. He gives Wiglaf the gold necklace he wears and his armor,and dies. Beowulf describes the treasure as his final gift to his people, and passes on his kingship to Wiglaf, who is clearly the most deserving and competent of the Geats. Beowulf also takes pains to protect his fame even in death through the creation of his barrow. Active Themes Previous Facing the Dragon (Lines 2324–2710) Previous Facing the Dragon (Lines 2324–2710) Next Wiglaf Speaks (Lines 2846–3109) Next Wiglaf Speaks (Lines 2846–3109) Cite This Page Close Company About Us Our Story Support Help Center Contact Us Connect Facebook Twitter Legal Terms of Service Privacy Policy Privacy Request Home About Contact Help LitCharts, a Learneo, Inc. business Copyright © 2026 All Rights Reserved Terms Privacy Privacy Request