Grendel: The Controversial Character
Beowulf (Heaney) is the name of an epic written in between the 9th and 11th centuries. One of the first stories written in the nascent language of English, the epic contains three “episodes” involving the heroic Geat character, its namesake, Beowulf. In the first of these “episodes”, Beowulf, the protagonist, has to slay a savage monster named Grendel, the obvious antagonist, whom the author depicts as the scourge of the earth, the most evil being in all the world. No good courses through his veins. However, time has definitely taken its toll on the epic, and on Grendel, for modern film producers have created a film version of this iconic work. This film drastically differs in many respects, the least of these being dialogue and events. …show more content…
In the epic, the author gives him the name Grendel, so it does not hold much significance toward the nature of the beast. However, note the very interesting circumstances that state the exact opposite in regards to the film portrayal of the villain. In the beginning, the Danes assume Grendel to be a mindless troll, who kills for sport. As the film progresses, the complexity of the character of Grendel increases as the filmmakers develop a conscience and intellect for the villain. The public and Beowulf both assume that he is a nameless terror, much like the epic portrayal of Grendel. But, the witch sets Beowulf straight and says that he did have a name that he has created for himself. It even has a meaning that transcends beyond its existence. According to the witch, the name means, “Grinder.” Beowulf, his image of the beast tarnishing his opinion, asks “Of bones?” The witch then clarifies with the answer, “Of teeth” (Gunnarsson). This symbolizes the anger and anguish he feels and his desire for revenge. This further proves, unlike the epic, something other than simplistic duality exists in the
Beowulf (Heaney) is the name of an epic written in between the 9th and 11th centuries. One of the first stories written in the nascent language of English, the epic contains three “episodes” involving the heroic Geat character, its namesake, Beowulf. In the first of these “episodes”, Beowulf, the protagonist, has to slay a savage monster named Grendel, the obvious antagonist, whom the author depicts as the scourge of the earth, the most evil being in all the world. No good courses through his veins. However, time has definitely taken its toll on the epic, and on Grendel, for modern film producers have created a film version of this iconic work. This film drastically differs in many respects, the least of these being dialogue and events. …show more content…
In the epic, the author gives him the name Grendel, so it does not hold much significance toward the nature of the beast. However, note the very interesting circumstances that state the exact opposite in regards to the film portrayal of the villain. In the beginning, the Danes assume Grendel to be a mindless troll, who kills for sport. As the film progresses, the complexity of the character of Grendel increases as the filmmakers develop a conscience and intellect for the villain. The public and Beowulf both assume that he is a nameless terror, much like the epic portrayal of Grendel. But, the witch sets Beowulf straight and says that he did have a name that he has created for himself. It even has a meaning that transcends beyond its existence. According to the witch, the name means, “Grinder.” Beowulf, his image of the beast tarnishing his opinion, asks “Of bones?” The witch then clarifies with the answer, “Of teeth” (Gunnarsson). This symbolizes the anger and anguish he feels and his desire for revenge. This further proves, unlike the epic, something other than simplistic duality exists in the