The story of Beowulf portrays a character that is highly mysterious and a great example of an oxymoron. Grendel’s mother is portrayed as either a great mother or a wicked witch depending on whose eyes the reader views the story through. Many readers may argue that Grendel’s mother is depicted as a caring and nurturing mother. Throughout the story the author portrays a mother that is trying to fight to protect and avenge her son. For example, in line 504 the author strategically includes the phrase, “To avenge her only son.” The use of the word “avenge” creates the idea that Grendel’s mother is engaged in a mission that is highly important to her. Earlier on the story the author inserts another key sentence that clearly shows the attitude
