Thanes - In Old English, thanes are simply warriors, like modern-day soldiers.

Fate - also known as "wyrd, " is defined as a power that predetermines what is going to happen, or destiny.
In the Old English period, it was believed to be a supernatural force that controlled all things.

"Fate often rules an undoomed man when his courage is good" (Beowulf 34).

Hilt - the hand grip of a sword.

Hrunting - the sword that Unferth gives to Beowulf to kill the mighty Grendel. Unfortunately it is not useful, so does not help Beowulf.

To Summary Home