Beowulf: Code of HonorAfter fighting and winning many battles, Beowulf's life enters a new stage when he finally becomes king of his homeland , Geatland. Even in his old age, his code of honor still requires him to fight against an evil and fiery dragon. For fifty years, he has governed his kingdom well. While Beowulf ruled, the dragon “...watched a treasure, a steep mound of stone” (Norton 55). Below is a path hidden from the sight of men. Over the centuries, no one had disturbed the dragon's kingdom until one day a thief broke into the treasury and got his hands on a cup decorated with gold, which enraged the dragon. “The dragon of fire had destroyed the stronghold of the people, the lands by the sea, the heart of the land” (Norton 57). Beowulf is an epic poem written in the late 10th century, in the kingdom of the West Saxons. The two main characters are Beowulf, a young man; and Grendel, a furious dragon. The world of Beowulf is a very violent society with wars as a dominant part of daily life. Dragons and monsters pose a constant threat to the Danes and Geats. Warriors are a necessity in this warrior society. Beowulf is both a hero and a great and honorable warrior. After fighting and winning many battles, Beowulf's life enters a new stage when he finally becomes king of his homeland, Geatland. Even in his old age, his code of honor still requires him to fight against an evil and fiery dragon. For fifty years, he has governed his kingdom well. While Beowulf ruled, the dragon “...watched a treasure, a steep mound of stone” (Norton 55). Below is a path hidden from the sight of men. Over the centuries, no one had disturbed the dragon's kingdom until one day a thief broke into the treasury and got his hands on a cup decorated with gold, which enraged the dragon. “The dragon of fire had destroyed the stronghold of the people, the lands by the sea, the heart of the land” (Norton 57). Beowulf prepares to fight a dragon with his thane, Wiglaf. Beowulf is not afraid of the dragon, as he has fought many enemies far more ferocious. An example of Beowulf's great battles is the fight with Grendel. No one other than Beowulf is brave or strong enough to volunteer to fight Grendel..