In the space below, begin your description of one object from Beowulf. Tell me what object you chose (and where it is in the poem, if it's not clear), and at least one word for each of the five senses that you can use to describe the object
Object: The mighty sword - Hrunting.
In the epic poem Beowulf, the mighty sword Hrunting is first mentioned as Unferth presents it to Beowulf before he embarks on his battle against the fearsome monster Grendel's mother.
Sight: Gleaming - The sword stands out with a gleaming, polished blade, reflecting the light from the halls of Heorot as it hangs from Beowulf's side.
Sound: Resounding - As Beowulf unsheathes Hrunting, the sound resonates through the air, resembling a mighty roar, reminiscent of a hundred battles fought.
Touch: Cold - The hilt of Hrunting, despite its ornate design, is cold to the touch, sending a shiver down the spine of the courageous warrior wielding it.
Taste: Metallic - If one were to taste the blood-soaked blade of Hrunting after a victorious battle, its tang would be metallic, a reminder of the countless lives it has taken.
Smell: A mixture of iron and dust - Upon entering the chamber where Grendel's mother resides, the scent of Hrunting fills the air, combining the earthy undertones of the dust that has settled upon it with the distinct, metallic aroma of iron.
This ancient sword, Hrunting, with its impressive sensory qualities, assists Beowulf in his quest to vanquish evil and safeguard his people from imminent peril.
Object: Grendel's claw
Location in the poem: "Then swiftly at that hall-door, the greatest of bale-fire, grasping for prey with his bloody hand, for the one mortal final time. He had now taken thirty heads, and gone smirking to his joyless home, with Grendel's taloon."
Sight: Hideous - The claw appears grotesque and terrifying, with ragged edges and an ominous aura.
Sound: Bone-crushing - The claw emits a bone-crushing sound each time it strikes its victims, breaking bones and causing immense pain.
Touch: Cold - When touched, the claw emanates a chilling sensation, sending a shiver down the spine.
Smell: Putrid - The claw emits a putrid odor reminiscent of rot and decay, likely a result of the gruesome acts it has committed.
Taste: Metallic - If one were to lick the claw, it would taste metallic due to the blood that has stained it repeatedly from its victims.
In Beowulf, one object that I have chosen to describe is Grendel's severed arm. This object is mentioned in the poem after Beowulf defeats Grendel in battle and tears off his arm as a victorious trophy. Here's how I would describe Grendel's severed arm using the five senses:
1. Sight: The arm is grotesque and macabre, covered in greenish-black, slimy and putrid skin. It appears twisted and mangled, with exposed tendons and sinews.
2. Touch: The arm feels cold and slippery to the touch, due to the slimy residue that coats its surface. It might also feel rough and uneven, with jagged edges where it was torn from Grendel's body.
3. Smell: The arm emits a foul stench of rot and decay, overpowering the surrounding air with its nauseating odor. The smell is reminiscent of decaying flesh and stagnant water.
4. Taste: Although tasting the severed arm would not be advised, if one were to come into contact with it inadvertently, it would likely leave a bitter and repulsive taste in their mouth.
5. Sound: When the arm is moved or handled, it could produce a squelching sound, similar to the wet, sucking noise that accompanies the movement of torn flesh.
Please keep in mind that this description is based on the characteristics and imagery of Grendel's severed arm as described in Beowulf.