Chapter 3 Summary

By the third part of the story Beowulf the young warrior has become an old king who has ruled his people peacefully for half a century. This peace is shattered abruptly, however, with the arrival of a fire-breathing dragon that wreaks deadly havoc on the Swedes. Despite his great age Beowulf calls for an iron shield to be made, one that can stand up to the heat of the dragon's breath. He chooses eleven of his best warriors to accompany him to the dragon's cave. As Beowulf sits waiting for the beast he reminisces about his youth and all of his heroic accomplishments. He lacks the bloodlust of his younger days and the thirst for battle but feels the responsibility of his position to protect his people. With Beowulf thinking solemnly upon death and Fate he takes leave of his warriors and strides...