Final answer:
Beowulf was protected from Grendel's mother's claws by his impervious armor, which allowed him to overcome her as part of the poem's good vs. evil theme.
Step-by-step explanation:
The passage refers to a scene from the epic poem Beowulf, where Beowulf battles Grendel's mother. She could not harm Beowulf with her claws because of his protective armor, which was impervious to her attacks. Grendel's mother, a formidable adversary, symbolizes a monstrous force that Beowulf must overcome to restore peace to the kingdom. The conflict highlights the theme of good versus evil, with Beowulf embodying the role of the hero ordained by fate to triumph over darkness. His protection implies a divine favor or exceptional earthly craftsmanship that prevents her from causing him physical damage during the confrontation.