By what other word does beowulf refer to the dragons

Beowulf refers to the dragon as a monster or a demon.

Explanation:

It acts as a mock "Gold-king" who was angered when a lone fugitive stole a cup from the precious treasure it was guarding. In fury and to take revenge, it was burning down houses along the countryside at night including Beowulf's house. In the final battle, Beowulf faced the fire-breathing dragon with Wiglaf by his side. The former was brutally injured by the dragon's fire and finally succumbed to his injuries. Wiglaf succeeded him and built a monument on the seashore so that everyone including the sailors would remember Beowulf.

The dragon in this poem is the earliest example of a European fire-breathing dragon. The poet has introduced all its traits from being nocturnal, inquisitive to a treasure-hoarding and a vengeful creature. Its fire symbolizes the hell fire of the devil and Beowulf's fight with the creature symbolizes his stand against evil and destruction.