Beowulf's Dragon

Inspired by the early Anglo-Saxon epic poem, “Beowulf”, this pendant brings us to a time of heroism and valor. For three-hundred winters, so the story goes, the dragon guarded the hoard of treasures left by the ancient warriors. Until one ill-fated night when a man of questionable intentions entered the cave and plundered a goblet made of pure gold. The dragon awoke in anger and set out to hunt down the man who robbed him. He took vengeance by besetting the land with flames! The heat and roar of fire brought horror to the people until the dragon once again retreated to his cave. King Beowulf learned quickly of the attack and gathered a troop of warriors to destroy the dragon. King Beowulf met the dragon with a blow from his ancestral sword; the dragon responded with the glow of fire and the thunderous flapping of wings! Beowulf was at once deserted by his warriors who fled to the woods for safety. Only one, named Wiglaf, remained by the side of his lord, in the name of loyalty and kinship. He spoke these words, “ Dear Beowulf, may you accomplish all well as you did in youth, as I have heard tell. Don’t surrender the glory of your life. Defend now, with all your strength, your brave deeds. I will help.”The spirited dragon attacked and Beowulf met him again with another blow from his sword, the powerful “Naegling”; the sword of his ancestors. The iron blade broke upon meeting the serpent’s armored back. The great serpent’s teeth reached Beowulf’s neck and the king’s life-blood gushed from his body. The brave Wiglaf drove his sword into the beast and for a moment the flames went out; a moment that allowed the battle-brave King Beowulf to drive the fatal wound to the leathery beast. Stumbling from exhaustion, Beowulf spoke these words to Wiglaf, “ I feared no one. I awaited my destiny well: never did I plot a quarrel, never did I swear an unjust oath. I take joy in this, despite my mortal wound.” Wiglaf witnessed the demise of his beloved king. He built a burial mound atop the mountain in honor of King Beowulf and exiled his treacherous kinsman from the land. The life of a great king had ended, but the memory of his bravery and valor lives on!
An original design by Puzlerings by Pepi ©2000

actual size 1 1/4" diameter

412-014

$20.00