What is hrunting in beowulf?

Hrunting is a sword that is lent to Beowulf by Unferth before he sets out to face the monster Grendel's mother in the epic poem Beowulf. It is described as a magnificent weapon, "iron is a match for him, and so it shall prove if the fighting is to be fair." However, despite its impressive appearance and reputation, Hrunting fails Beowulf in his battle against Grendel's mother. The sword is unable to harm her because she is protected by magic, and Beowulf is forced to rely instead on a magical sword that he finds in the underwater lair of the sea hag. Despite its limitations, Hrunting remains an important symbol of the warrior culture depicted in Beowulf and the challenges that heroes face in their struggles against supernatural foes.