What is the name of the sword given to Beowulf by Unferth?

The sword given to Beowulf by Unferth is called Hrunting. Unferth lends it to Beowulf before Beowulf dives into the mere to fight Grendel’s mother.

Hrunting is presented as an ancient and prestigious weapon. The poem says it has never failed the warrior who wielded it and has cut through many helmets in battle. By lending it to Beowulf, Unferth acknowledges Beowulf’s superiority as a fighter, despite having earlier challenged him with an insulting speech.

The sword does not perform as expected. When Beowulf attacks Grendel’s mother, Hrunting cannot wound her. Beowulf therefore abandons it and discovers a massive sword forged by giants in the underwater hall. That weapon allows him to kill Grendel’s mother, although it melts after the blow.

Beowulf later returns Hrunting to Unferth and praises both the sword and its owner. The weapon is commonly confused with Nægling, another named sword associated with Beowulf. Nægling is the blade Beowulf carries during his final battle with the dragon, while Hrunting belongs specifically to Unferth’s episode at the mere.