HRUNTING is "one of the oldest ancient treasures" (Norton, 46), a legendary sword owned by Unferth. Not having enough courage to fight Grendel's mother, Unferth gives the sword to Beowulf. But the sword fails in the underwater battle: "this was the first time for the rare treasure that its glory has failed" (Norton, 46). Beowulf finds another sword, with which he kills the woman-monster. The next day he returns Hrunting to Unferth, but he doesn't tell Unferth about its failure.