Give Credit Where It Is Due: Beowulf & His Many Swords
Swords made by giants, Hrunting, and Nagling are all swords that are very important to Beowulf's many victories. Each sword helped Beowulf fight his way to the top in battle. Whether it was handed down through his family line, or given to him as a gift, the sword is the one thing that has saved the brave warrior on more than one occasion. Each sword that Beowulf encounters plays a significant role in keeping the hero alive. Hrunting is a powerful sword that encourages Beowulf in his quest to kill evil Grendel's mother. Unferth gives this sword to Beowulf before he begins his journey to the underworld. "And Unferth helped him, Hrothgar's courtier lent him a famous weapon, a fine hilted old sword named Hrunting; it had an iron blade, etched and shining and hardened in blood" (Burton 69). By this act of kindness, Unferth silently gives his acceptance of Beowulf to the problem the Danes are experiencing. When Beowulf first landed on Danish soil, Unferth did not believe that Beowulf would solve their problems with the monst
Beowulf's possession of three important swords helped to shape his victorious reputation. This quote shows that even though Beowulf has a great sword that has been victorious many times, fate cannot be reversed, and it fails him. On his side when he prepares for battle is Nagling. Without the giant sword on the wall of the battle hall, Beowulf would not have been able to hurt Grendel's mother at all. He sees the huge sword hanging on the wall in the battle hall, and snatches it up to kill the monster. After a dragon attacks his town, Beowulf takes action. All three of these weapons played an important role in Beowulf's many journeys into war, whether it is with evil monsters or dangerous dragons. Grendel's mother had cast a spell on men's weapons, so that no man's sword can pierce her skin. However, with his last bit of energy, Beowulf does slaughter the dragon that stalked his people. This is important as well, because Nagling is the sword that Beowulf has with him in his last battle. Beowulf receives Nagling, a sword that helps to bring his demise. In essence, this large sword saved the life of Beowulf simply by being conveniently located nearby. "Then the famous old hero, remembering days of glory, lifted what was left of Nagling, his ancient sword, and swung it will all his strength, smashed the gray blade into the beast's head" (Burton 106). Beowulf is truly a hero, but his choice of weaponry is significant as well.
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Unferth Hrunting,
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Acceptance Essays
