The Dragon

Name: The Dragon

AKA: War Dragon, Fire-drake

Location: Stone-Cave

Novel: Beowulf

Author: Unknown (Anglo-Saxon origin)




Natural History:
Not much is known of the dragon that battled Beowulf. The dragon stole precious gems and gold from across Scandinavia, hiding them deep in a cave on the sea-side. Here the dragon would guard the treasure from intruders and kill any that dare try to steal his hoard. It terrorized the Scandinavian people for 300 winters.

One intruder did mange to steal some gold while the dragon was asleep, but upon waking it discovered the missing treasure and sought revenge on the people that stole it. Beowulf  on hearing about the dragons' attacks, sought to destroy it. Beowulf led a group of eleven men to confront the creature and all abandoned Beowulf but Wiglaf.

Like many dragons, this dragon was immune to physical attacks. Beowulf struck with his sword but could not skewer the dragon. The dragon raged and spewed fire at Beowulf, biting and clawing at the warrior. The battle raged for sometime until Beowulf drew his knife and began to cut at the dragons vulnerable underside. However, Beowulf had been poisoned by the dragons bite and the wound proved to be fatal. Beowulf's dying wish is to have the dragon's treasure brought to him. When Wiglaf returns to the cave the dragon is gone, and as far as we know as never been heard from again.

It is interesting to note that the dragon from Beowulf and Smaug might be related. They are both described as fire-drakes and are similar in color and their lust for jewels and gold. Perhaps this can be confirmed once we visit more dragon-kin.