'Beowulf' is an epic poem that's rich in symbols and symbolism.

In this lesson, we'll explore the meanings behind

the mead hall, Grendel's cave, the golden torque, and the use of water.

What Is a Symbol?
In literature, symbols are used to represent abstract objects and characters and to bring relevance to the
material, keeping ideas fresh and germane even when they're centuries old. The symbols and symbolism used
in Beowulf aid in our understanding, bring the story to life by creating visual connections, and allow us to relate
to the story. There are a number of symbols and uses of symbolism in Beowulf, ranging from the extravagant to
the subtle, and the obvious to the hidden. In this brief lesson, we're going to cover four of them: the mead hall,
Grendel's cave, the golden torque, and water.

The Mead Hall

In Beowulf we're introduced to two different mead halls. Hygalec's in Geatland and Hrothgar's Heorot in
Denmark. These mead halls symbolize the sense of community that that men felt. 'Inside Heorot there was
nothing but friendship,' says the poem's schop.

These men had been through battle together, and when they returned to their mead halls, they knew their loyalty
would be rewarded. They could relax with stories that helped foster and share reputations. The mead hall is an
important symbol in medieval culture, because it's the gathering place for warriors, who could rest after their
travels and battles. In the mead hall, warriors sought refuge from a difficult and dangerous world. This makes
Grendel's reign of horror even more unsettling, because for twelve years, Heorot is a place where no one feels
safe.

It's also a symbol of the power of the king. In the mead hall there is food, entertainment, drink, and merriment.
The mead hall was central to medieval warrior lives, and it became the symbol of the celebration of their
devotion to their king and their honor. It's supposed to be a place where there's no tension, no worry, and no
fear. The hall is also a symbol because of its construction. It towers over all the other structures of the land, and
is lavishly decorated with treasures and gifts from around the kingdom. Grendel's invasion marks an assault on
the center of life for the Danes, and Heorot becomes the place where Beowulf achieves his first victory. This is
an important moment because it sets the stage for who Beowulf will be and how he will be remembered.

The Monsters' Cave

Grendel and his mother are outcasts who live in a dark, dank cave in a swamp. They believe that their choice of
living space will keep them out of harm's way, but they have underestimated their foe, Beowulf. Both Grendel
and his mother know that Heorot is off limits to them, making Grendel's assault on the great hall even more
attractive. Ultimately, the cave is a place of evil, a place for monsters alone.

It's Beowulf's mission to rid the land of the monsters; to make the world safe again and free from the evil they
present. When he dispatches Grendel and subsequently braves the darkness of the cave to extinguish Grendel's
mother, he is bringing the light back to the world of the Danes. Beowulf says it this way: 'I have wrested the hilt
from the enemies' hand, avenged the evil done to the Danes; it is what was due.'

The Golden Torque

To honor Beowulf's accomplishment of ridding Heorot of the monsters, Hrothgar's wife Wealhtheow gives him
a golden torque, or golden necklace. This is meant to be a demonstration of the loyalty between her people and
Beowulf. It's a great honor, and it is not taken lightly. The necklace commemorates an important time in
Beowulf's life. He has defeated the monster, and he is now truly a hero.

The schop tells us, 'The cup was carried to him, kind words spoken in welcome and a wealth of wrought gold
graciously bestowed: two arm bangles, a mail-shirt and rings, and the most resplendent torque of gold I ever
heard tell of anywhere on Earth or under heaven.'

When Beowulf returns to Geatland, he presents Hygleac with some of his treasures, including the golden torque.
Hygelac proudly wears the torque into battle against the Frisians. He dies in battle, wearing the necklace that
symbolized kinship, but that also brings torment and tragedy.