Essay Comparing Beowulf And Grendel's Mother

Both Grendel and Grendel's Mother are the main story's antagonists. Although Grendel's mom is a woman, she was presented as a "moral enemy," who Beowulf "So must a man do who intends to gain enduring glory in combat. Life doesn't cast him a thought," (1534-1536) and that being said she is equal to a man. I firmly believe Grendel's mother is more refined as an antagonist more so than Grendel. Her anger is attributed to what Beowulf has done to her son, "she pounced upon him and pulled out a broad, whetted knife: now she would avenge her only child." (1545-1547) Therefore Grendel's mother acts as an antagonist who's reactions are the same as any human mothers would be when her child is threatened or harmed, and that is the most dangerous type of revenge there is. Grendel's mother may not be as strong …show more content…
They are more laid back per say when it comes to death. They are not as fearful of it knowing that their soul or spirit after death they can begin a new life in a new body. So if they chant and pray to Amida Buddha in their last moments before death no matter how they die, they believe it will help them rebirth in the Pure Land. A salvation that could be achieved merely by faith and by chanting "Hail to the Buddha Amida.” This belief of a better life after death has an effect on their decision-making. The characters in The Tale of The Heike follow their faith, and it has an enormous impact on their attitudes towards death. Their beliefs make them okay with death. Two of the characters both Imperial Lady Kenreimon and the Nun of Second Rank's grandson in "their last moments before execution, death in battle, or suicide, face west, inspired by the hope for rebirth into the Pure Land." (pg. 1285-1286) The characters of the story tend to adhere to a strict code of conduct and ethical behavior so; ultimately they can rebirth into the Pure