Treasure In Beowulf

The Anglo Saxon epic poem, “Beowulf,” was written from between the 8th and 11th centuries. In the end, the dragon’s hoard is reclaimed by Beowulf shortly before he dies. The treasure is often seen as a symbol of multiple ideas. It may represent eternal glory, Beowulf’s final reward for saving the Geats. The glory may be from the victory over the dragon or even the treasure itself. The treasure may represent Beowulf himself, as he is equal to its value. He is also killed around the same time the treasure is buried, so the people lose both together. It could also represent the common people, as they are both guarded by equally powerful defenders. Beowulf also fails to defend the treasure beyond his death, just as he fails to protect his people any further. The treasure is symbolic of eternal glory, the people, and himself.
The dragon’s hoard could symbolize eternal glory. Treasure remained significant in Anglo-Saxon times because it “was the outward manifestation of glory” (Beowulf's Themes). Tangible wealth attested to warriors’ prowess and a people’s strength, so Beowulf made himself and his people glorious. The treasure was given to Beowulf by God: “for all this, that his grace had given [him]” (“Beowulf” 804). The …show more content…
The treasure is described as being a great and “priceless hoard of jewels and gold” (Glencoe: The Reader's Choice 36). Beowulf was priceless to his people. “They placed his ashes, along with all of the dragon’s treasure, in a huge burial mound…,” effectively burying both the treasure and Beowulf together (37). Because they are buried at the same time, the Geats lose both, each of great value, together. The treasure belongs to the Geats, as Beowulf “thinking of his people, asks to see the treasure” (36). Beowulf serves and belongs to the nation of the Geats, just like the treasure. The dragon’s hoard is treated very similarly to how Beowulf is treated, suggesting that the treasure represents