Final answer:
The treasure in Beowulf's story is cursed to cause misfortune, but Beowulf is immune because of his virtuous and selfless nature. This aligns with the story's themes of heroism and the perils of greed.
Step-by-step explanation:
The treasure in the tale of Beowulf is indeed cursed. According to the legend mentioned, the treasure brings misfortune and ruin to those who possess it, serving as a symbol of the greed and the destructive nature of coveting wealth. However, Beowulf is exempt from this curse. The reason for Beowulf's immunity to the curse is due to his virtuous and selfless character. He is not driven by greed or selfish desires, but rather by the noble intentions to serve and protect his people.
In the context provided, there is no mention of the treasure causing its owners to turn into dragons or disappear into thin air. Thus, options b) and c) are incorrect. And while option d) mentions the treasure not being cursed, which contradicts the information provided in the excerpt that indicates there is indeed a curse associated with the treasure. Hence, the most appropriate answer here is option a), which aligns with the text and the thematic elements of the story surrounding heroism and the dangers of greed.