Although people may live heroic lives and win many battles, death eventually defeats everyone, along with the various works they leave behind. The keeper of rings, sad that his civilization has passed away, hides his people's splendid treasures for safekeeping and the dragon guards the riches for hundreds of years. Yet death claims them both, and Wiglaf finds that much of the treasure also has perished, fallen victim to tarnish and rust. The strength and courage called for in the heroic code help warriors fight against death, As Beowulf tells Hrothgar, who laments the death of his friend Aeschere, "It is always better/to avenge dear ones than to indulge in mourning." In the end, Beowulf meets his defeat and death, slain by the dragon's poisonous bite—delivered in the same conflict in which he killed the dragon. The sting of death is lessened for Beowulf by the knowledge that he will be given a funeral worthy of a hero.