A motif is any recurring element that has symbolic significance in literature and that is present throughout the writing. When a motif is repetitive, it is most likely used to help develop further narrative aspects that own a very deep foundational meaning to the writing. In the old English epic poem, Beowulf, written by an unknown author, the weapon motif is extensive throughout the poem. Moreover, the weapon motif reinforces the elements of character, theme, setting, and plot.
In the “Beowulf” selection of the epic, the protagonist, Beowulf, is introduced as a cunning, crafty and courageous character since he refuses to use a weapon in the battle against the monster, Grendel, and insists on having a fair battle: “My lord Higlac/Might think
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In the selection, “Grendel’s Mother”, the mother furiously attacks Herot, which signifies the claw even more since everyone wants it so bad. The claw, being so important to Beowulf and to Grendel’s mother, reinforces Beowulf’s trademark and legacy. Grendel’s mother takes away the claw and heads to her lake that “burns like a torch” (433). The loss of Grendel’s claw creates a man versus self emotional conflict for Hrothgar, the Danes and Beowulf since the trophy that manifests their victory has been taken away. Beowulf enters the murky lake that is “as dark as the air, as black as the rain” (442), which reinforces his bravery and heroism, to regain the claw and eventually finds himself in a man versus man physical conflict with Grendel’s mother. Beowulf trips over “a heavy/Sword” (514) that is “blessed [with] magic” (515) and that is so massive that “no ordinary man could lift” (516) it. Beowulf’s superhuman and powerful characteristics are reinforced when he picks up the weapon with ease. In addition, the weapon motif reinforces the fate theme since Beowulf seems to fulfill all his promises to