After his victory over Grendel and then Grendel's Mother, Beowulf returned to the land of the Geats where he became the king. He ruled his lands for a strong 50 years, that is, until a stupid greedy thief decided to try and steal from a dragon. The dragon became furious and started going on rampages throughout the Geat lands, burning towns and people alike. Beowulf decided then that he would risk himself to defeat the dragon. He knew that he was old and that his skills had dulled but he also knew that he would accept whatever fate had in-store for him. So he donned his armor, grabbed his sword and took his shield and had men follow him, with the thief and what he stole, to the dragon. As Beowulf and his men approached, the dragon sensed them, and caring not for any diplomacy, came out spewing fire, with Beowulf in the lead. The white fires of the dragon melted and scorched the earth around Beowulf. He had put up his shield but it was no match for the intense fire and soon melted and when he lashed out at the dragon, his sword broke against it's scales. With their mighty king almost defeated and standing in fire, Beowulf's men ran away from the frightening dragon. One did stay though, a man named Wiglaf, who remembered and honored his king and his graciousness by helping fight the dragon. Wiglaf ran to dragon and was able to find a vulnerable spot, but before he could do anything, the dragon struck out at Beowulf biting him in the neck. Beowulf stood strong though and with the help of Wiglaf was able to defeat the dragon. Beowulf now lay dying on the floor from his burns and grievous neck wound but he was able to tell Wiglaf his last and final words. He asked of Wiglaf to bring the mightiest of the dragon's horde of treasure so that he may see what he died for and then asked Wiglaf to bury the treasure with him after his funeral in a locked tower that people from all around could see and remember him. Beowulf had then given the kingship of the Geats to the honorable and faithful Wiglaf.