A literary symbol can often be described as a thing, action, person, or circumstance, that while having a literal meaning in a story, also indicates or stands for additional meanings. In Beowulf, an important work in English literature, there are important symbols that add meaning to the work as a whole. Such symbols in Beowulf include: Heorot Hall, Grendel, the lair of Grendel and his mother, and the Dragon’s hoard In Beowulf, Heorot Hall is a place that has further meaning behind it. Heorot is described as a spacious hall. It was designed for the community to congregate for feasts, festives, and other meetings. The achievements and level of civilization of the Scyldings, especially Hrothgar, are represented through Heorot Hall. The Hall serves as …show more content…
Grendel is an unstoppable demon, that cannot be defeated by anyone. However, the strongest warrior who could beat him was represented to be Beowulf. When Beowulf battles Grendel, he uses only his bare hands and tears the monster's arm from his shoulder. The claw of Grendel is brought to Heorot Hall and hung there as a representation of Beowulf's victory over Grendel. To Grendel’s mother the claw represents her own grief and humanity’s morbid idea of a suitable trophy. In trying to avenge her son’s death, by trying to get her sons claw, she murders another Scylding in the process The lair of Grendel and his mother symbolizes their punishment as outcasts. The cave where Grendel and his mother live, represents their existence as outcasts, where they hide from the outer world. The cave provides them with a measure of seclusion from a world they perceive as hostile. Hidden beneath a dangerous surface in the middle of a dark and gloomy swamp lies the lair of Grendel and his mother, which serves as punishment from their descendants. In misery among the banished monsters, Cain’s clan, whom the creator had