4. The Giant Sword and the Cross

In Chapter 4 the author continues to investigate the symbolism of the giant sword, consulting a variety of extant Anglo-Saxon and Scandinavian swords. Pettit suggests that the sword, both before its melting but especially after melting down to its golden hilt, could also link to the other principal symbol of Easter, the Cross of Christ. Pettit also considers the relevance of certain aspects of Beowulf’s fight with the dragon, such as Beowulf’s companion Wiglaf and the battle-standard that he claims from the dragon’s hoard.