Gold And Treasure In Beowulf

In the story of Beowulf, gold and treasure play a very important role in the last chapter of the story, when as an old man, Beowulf leaves to go and fight the dragon on which had unleashed its fury on the people in Beowulf’s kingdom because a thief had stolen a flagon (golden goblet) out of the dragon’s load of treasure. |...one dragon began to rage. It guarded a hoard high upon a hill in a very steep barrow of stone and it was seldom traveled by many man. However one man journeyed upon that cave and seen the heathen’s load, while the watcher was sleep, he took into his hand a golden goblet and didn’t give it back.| Beowulf didn’t hesitate on fighting the “serpent,” and went into battle. When he arrives at the dragon’s barrow and he goes into the cave, he was overcame by the strength of his enemy. Everyone of Beowulf’s men fled except for Wiglaf who was a young warrior who refused to leave his king in his times of need.
All but one sole was burdened with the care, for true knightship can’t be married in a very noble mind!| Beowulf was finally wounded by the dragon’s venom, but with the help of Wiglaf, he finally killed the beast. Beowulf was dying, and told Wiglaf to bring him gold from inside the cave so that he could see the reward from their gallant fight.|...go in haste. I would have beheld the magnificent treasure, the store of gold, and had joy in the jewels and gems: I would resign the life… I have long held with more ease when i took upon this splendid hoard.| In this story, the gold is disgraceful when stolen by the thief, but it is considered Beowulf’s just reward when it is won in fair