The Giant Sword: Myths and Beliefs in Beowulf (Volume I)

Beowulf is a heroic epic poem written in old English. The author of Beowulf is unknown. It was written between the 6th and the 10th Century CE. It is one of the most prominent works of Anglo-Saxon literature. It narrates the story of the hero Beowulf, and his battles against three monsters, Grendel, Grendel's mother, and a dragon. The protagonist Beowulf kills Grendel with his bare hands. Grendel's mother is killed by Beowulf using a giant sword that he found in her lair. Thereafter, Beowulf becomes the king of Geats and he rules wisely for 50 years. The image of the giant sword is present at the structural and thematic center of this heroic poem. This book investigates the nature and significance of this weapon and its relationship with Beowulf. The readers would gain knowledge that would broaden their perspective about the use of imagery within this poem.