These lines draw upon the literary technique of foreshadowing. Hrothgar’s minstrel tells the story of Sigemund who slayed a dragon. This story foreshadows Beowulf’s battle with a dragon later on in the poem. It’s important to the poem because it compares Beowulf’s defeat of Grendel to Sigemund’s story about slaying a dragon, giving the reader insight into the past and also foreshadows an event. …show more content…
It allows the reader to create an image of Grendel by giving physical details of Grendel. It’s important because it allows for imagery which enhances the reader’s understanding of the poem. It foreshadows that Grendel was going to be a tough fight for Beowulf. “
The lines showcase symbolism; in this case the torque is a symbol. The torque represents the peace made between the Danes and the Geats. It also symbolizes history because King Hygelac dies wearing the necklace. The excerpt is significant to the poem because it shows how the Danes appreciated Beowulf’s heroism. When Beowulf hands the torque Hygelac it solidifies happiness between both