Would The Targaryen Like Beowulf?
It is worth noting, before we leave the whole topic, that the ethical aspect of the dragon confrontation is handled, explicitly and implicitly, with a sensitivity seldom found in the traditional legends. Neither the dragon's attack on the Geats nor Beowulf's counter-attack is amoral. The dragon, whose cup has been stolen by a thief, has a case, and it is fully presented (2114-25 and 2278-302). On the other hand, negotiation is obviously impossible with an implacable enemy whose destructive vengeance has no limits. Yet the poet never heaps gratuitous vituperation on the dragon. Instead, he gives a fair and balanced account of the sequence of events in the fight itself (2559-95 and 2669-705). And, in several tableaux depicting hero and dragon after the death of both, the two are presented with equal attention, respect, and "wundur" (2777-82; 2842-5; 2900-10; 3032-46). I venture to say that if the poem had been recited before an assembly of dragons - a species reportedly not extinct in the eighth century - little cause could have been found for complaint.
'The Poet's comment in "Beowulf"' by John C. McGalliard
Well, I'm certainly happy the Dragons' Union won't have any reason to sue. On a second note, these are the passages that make researching for papers just a little bit less dreary than it could be.
Also, word of the day: vituperation.
'The Poet's comment in "Beowulf"' by John C. McGalliard
Well, I'm certainly happy the Dragons' Union won't have any reason to sue. On a second note, these are the passages that make researching for papers just a little bit less dreary than it could be.
Also, word of the day: vituperation.