Grendel's Honor In The Epic Of Beowulf

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As he had each night for 12 long winters, Grendel crept through King Hrothgar’s hall choosing his sleeping victims peacefully. One by one the odious monster clawed, chewed, and devoured each soul happily satisfying his hunger. Dawn came, making cue for Grendel’s departure back to his cave. It was no surprise that Grendel had struck again. Each heart and soul residing in Herot knew that the monster would eat freely each night, and that no one was protected. No one dared to face this monster, for he was the source and personification of all evil in Herot and society. So, Grendel ruled Herot for 12 long years until the Almighty leader of the Geat clan, Beowulf, made it his divine right and duty to slay the offender. And so goes the Epic Anglo-Saxon …show more content…

He is the powerful leader of the Geat clan who endorses loyalty, courage, and honesty. These are qualities that shape Beowulf as the perfect hero, and as the symbol of Good in society. Good is seen in Beowulf when the leader rounds up a 14 men Geat army, and travels from Higlac to Herot, offering to slay the horrid beast Grendel. Beowulf claims to defeat Grendel because it is his duty under the principle of common good to spare the people of Herot of the slaughter and terror brought amongst them.Though this honest and genuine behavior seems deceitful, Beowulf comes "only in friendship" (line 182) and with good omens. For his reason, King Hrothgar allows Beowulf the honor of conquering the ferocious beast Grendel; this was only after Beowulf stated that he "meant to perform to the uttermost what your people wanted or perish on the attempt in the fiend's clutches" (Beowulf lines 632 …show more content…

He is descendant of the religious fiend Cain; this explains his mortifying and demonic nature. Unlike Beowulf, Grendel is no friend to Herot, and does not come with good omens to King Hrothgar or his people. His mind is set to devour anyone he so desires. His ruthless blood-lusting thirst has called upon his death by the Almighty Beowulf.
Being the obvious contrast, Beowulf "had a fixed purpose" (632) when he set out to sea. He was mindful of his "mighty strength" ( 1272) and knew that the demonic monster Grendel would be a sure challenge. Luckily, good overpowers evil, and in their quarrel, Good proves successful when. Grendel is fatally wounded. Beowulf rips his shoulder, arm, and claw leaving it to hang in the rafters. "Beowulf overcame the for, brought down the hell-brute" (1274) and spared Herot of Grendel.
Theses two characters portray both concepts of good (light) v. evil (dark). Though they were both powerful forces, victory came to only one strong entity. The good in the world is seen with Beowulf, a strong, powerful, and confident leader who wills his life for the protection and common good of society. Grendel is responsible for the chaos and pandemonium of all things sinister in

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