ANALYSIS OF BEOWULFS BATTLE WITH THE DRAGON Symbolism

ANALYSIS OF BEOWULF’S BATTLE WITH THE DRAGON

Symbolism of Dragons

Symbolism of Dragons are present in the mythology of most cultures. Carl Jung postulated that the image of the dragon is part of the “collective subconscious” In Asian cultures, the dragons are good omens, symbolizing power, strength, and good luck. Dragon is the yin (male), phoenix is the yang (female) European Dragons are evil tricksters In Anglo-Saxon and Celtic literature, dragons symbolize DEATH OF THE SPIRIT or WYRD’S FINAL VICTORY OVER MANKIND

Getting to Know Your Dragon Referred to as “worm” from the O. E. wyrm or “serpent” Turn the burial mounds of great warriors and kings into their lairs, called BARROWS. kick the bones of the great man out (disrespect of accomplishment, memory) and sleep on a gigantic bed of hoarded gold. Gold (and virgins) represent “the vitality of life. ” Hoarded gold represents wasted life

Getting to Know Your Dragon The dragon is a psychological enemy. It is your own unconscious self, and is therefore more fearful than any other foe, even death. It is our fears, our reluctances, our habits that keep us from the enjoyment of life. The dragon takes your gold (happiness, meaning) and hides it away, unused and unenjoyed. Your dragon feeds off of your regrets. The more regrets you have, the bigger your dragon.

How to Slay Your Dragon The dragon awaits us all. We will face him on our deathbeds when we look back on our life and ask: did I truly live? To confront your dragon is to face the realities of the state of your psyche. So, how do you defeat your dragon? know yourself “follow your bliss” fulfill your potential live a life of unquestionable meaning

So, Describe Your Dragon