Dragons have long been a staple of myth and legend, embodying both the awe and terror of the unknown. Two of the most iconic portrayals of these mythical creatures can be found in the Old English epic Beowulf and J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth. While separated by centuries, the dragons in these works share intriguing similarities, but also notable differences, reflecting the unique contexts and themes of their respective narratives.
In Beowulf, the dragon serves as a fearsome guardian of a hoard of treasure and the final adversary for the eponymous hero. This dragon is depicted as a monstrous, fire-breathing creature that wreaks havoc on the Geats after a thief steals a cup from its hoard. The dragon’s destructive fury symbolizes the inevitable decay and death that comes with time, underscoring the poem’s elegiac tone.
Tolkien’s scholarly work on Beowulf profoundly influenced his own creative writings. Tolkien’s meticulous examination of the language, themes and symbolism in the Old English epic provided him with a rich foundation for crafting his own dragon lore in Middle-earth.
The dragons of Middle-earth, particularly Smaug from The Hobbit, are more complex and developed characters. Smaug, like the Beowulf dragon, is a treasure hoarder, guarding the vast wealth of the Lonely Mountain. However, Smaug is not merely a mindless beast; he is intelligent, cunning and capable of speech. His interactions with Bilbo Baggins–Happy Belated Birthday!–reveal a creature of immense pride and malice, embodying the destructive nature of unchecked greed and corruption.
The diversity of dragons in Middle-earth appears to be another distinguishing feature. From the fire-breathing Smaug to the wingless but immensely powerful Glaurung, known as the Father of Dragons, Tolkien’s dragons come in various forms. Ancalagon the Black, the largest and most powerful dragon, appears during the War of Wrath, showcasing the threat and power of dragons over time.
(Of course, Tolkien’s dragon portrayals extend beyond Middle-earth. In his novella “Farmer Giles of Ham,” Tolkien presents Chrysophylax Dives, a dragon who differs significantly from his Middle-earth counterparts. Chrysophylax is more comical and less menacing, embodying elements of satire and wit. This dragon’s interactions with the titular farmer demonstrate Tolkien’s versatility in dragon characterization, blending traditional dragon lore with humor and social commentary. I’ve often thought, even more so than Tom Bombadil, and Beren and Lúthien, that Giles and Chrysophylax, could easily have been integrated into Middle-earth.)
The symbolism of dragons in both Beowulf and Middle-earth is rich and multifaceted. In Beowulf, the dragon represents a force of destruction and greed, a symbol of the inevitable decay that comes with time. In Middle-earth, dragons like Smaug and Glaurung embody greed and corruption, but they also possess intelligence and malice, making them more than just physical threats. This complexity adds depth to their characters and makes them memorable figures in the fantasy genre.
The impact of dragons on their respective worlds is profound. The Beowulf dragon’s wrath is localized, affecting the Geats and their immediate surroundings. In contrast, the dragons of Middle-earth have far-reaching consequences, influencing the fate of entire civilizations and the balance of power in the world. Glaurung’s actions lead to the fall of Nargothrond and the tragic fate of Túrin Turambar, while Ancalagon’s defeat marks the end of the War of Wrath and the downfall of Morgoth.
Tolkien’s portrayal of dragons was significantly influenced by Beowulf. The treasure-hoarding, destructive fury and role as a climactic adversary are direct parallels between the Beowulf dragon and Smaug. The themes of greed, heroism and sacrifice are central to both stories, highlighting the timeless nature of these narratives.
Moreover, Tolkien’s admiration for the elegiac tone of Beowulf is evident in his works. The rich, descriptive language and the reflection on the inevitability of death and the fleeting nature of glory are elements that Tolkien emulated in his portrayal of dragons and the broader themes of Middle-earth.
In conclusion, the dragons of Beowulf and Middle-earth, while rooted in similar mythological traditions, are adapted to serve different narrative and symbolic purposes. The Beowulf dragon is a symbol of inevitable decay and destruction, while Tolkien’s dragons are complex characters that embody greed, corruption and the eternal struggle between good and evil. These enduring and versatile figures continue to captivate readers, reflecting the rich tapestry of myth and legend that they draw from.
For those interested in further exploring the connections between Beowulf and Tolkien’s work, a virtual discussion on Tolkien’s Translation and Commentary of Beowulf will be held on October 4th at 7:00 PM Eastern Time. This session will delve deeper into Tolkien’s scholarly approach to the Old English epic and how it influenced his own creative writing, including his portrayal of dragons in Middle-earth. Participants will have the opportunity to engage with fellow enthusiasts in examining the intricate relationship between these two significant works of literature.
And for a lighter look at dragons, check out this.
