When he found the lair, it was by the sea. So he went with some of his retainers to see what was there. Before they reached the cave they could smell the stench of the dragon and then it came out. None of Beowulf's trusted warriors were courageus enough to do battle along side Beowulf, so he faced the dragon alone.
His shield protected Beowulf from the fire-breath of the mighty dragon. As the dragon breathed on him, he held his shield up to gard his body.Then he reached out to strike his foe with his sword and it bit into his flesh. But fate delt Beowulf a blow that day, for the quick sword dulled against the monsters bone. His sword weakened in strife as it should not have. But then Wiglaf, son of Weohstan, Prince of the Scylfings, kingsman of AElfhere, came to the aid of his lord. Wiglaf stood by his lord and then delt the dragon a fatal blow. The dragon slumped over and Wiglaf stood by his lord.
Then the other retainers came and carried Beowulf into the lair. There the great Beowulf, son of Ectheow, died, after seeing the spoils of his victory.
