Beowulf Vs. Grendel :: essays research papers

Grendal, a descendant of Cain, is one of the main antagonist of the verse Beowulf. He lives under an inherited curse and is denied divinitys presence. passim the story Grendal causes enormous grief and fear to the people of Herot. After so much pain and agony the king of Herot, Hrothgar, sends for the protagonist of the poem, Beowulf. He is a Geat and the epic hero of the poem. The wide variety of distinctions between Grendal and Beowulf is what contrives the climax of the composition. Beowulf kills Grendal, so he is honored by the people of Herot for his heroic act. Since Grendal and Beowulf play opposer roles in the poem, Beowulf, they let the reader know how contrasting characters can develop the plot of the story. Grendal is known as a monster and portrays one of the some(prenominal) villains in the poem. He is referred to as the "guardian of his sins". Grendal depicts a heathen the animal(prenominal) image of man estranged from God. Basically, Grendal reflects a physical monster, an ogre who is contrary to humanity. Grendals constant visits to Hrothgars mead hall for bloody feasts made him heart powerful over Gods humanity. Unfortunately, the night Beowulf lies in clasp for him, he assumes that his bloody feasts will continue and Grendal gives no attention to his method of attack. Grendal is then killed. Beowulf, the heroic figure in the poem, is known throughout the gain as a courageous man who performs bang-up deeds of valor. He is a Geat, who later becomes the king of the Geats. Beowulfs strength seems to be a gift from God. As a noble and kind man, Beowulf comes to Herot to save them from Gods foe. Before Beowulf initiates battle with Grendal he exhibits a sense of comeliness in not using a weapon against the monster. This demonstrates a great difference between the two characters. Had Beowulfs attack not been unexpected, Grendal for certain would have used a weapon. Beowulfs defeat against Grendal sets one of the first off ste pping stones to his long legacy of heroic deeds. Both of these characters remain static throughout the poem. Beowulf portrays the heroic figure who saves everyone, while Grendal always remains evil with mischievously intentions. Grendal attacks mead hall because of jealousy. Grendal envies the fellowship and happiness he observes. He dislikes living in the outer world, excluded from the company of men thus he stalks the moors, jealous of the pleasures of mankind.