“I’ve learned a lot about good and evil and they are not always what they appear to be” (Doren 1).Often in life, the line between good and evil can be easily blurred and the difference between man and monster can be uncertain. Anonymously written, the epic poem of Beowulf expresses many examples of drawing parallels between man and beast, more specifically between heroes and villains. Although it is not unanimously agreed upon by scholars, Beowulf is believed to have been written in eighth century A.D in Britain (Acocella 1). Beowulf was thought to be read as a ballad or as entertainment for guests. Because it is an epic poem, Beowulf is full of heroes, villains, battles, and mystical beings. At first glance, it may seem as this ballad has
…show more content…
Biblically, because of his sins, Cain was cursed by God and became an outcast of society, along with all of his ancestors (New International Version, Gen 4. 16). Because of this, Grendel lives in a cave away from all civilization and hates joy and happiness. Grendel is also cursed with monstrous strength and looks. Upon hearing the joyous laughing and festivities in the land of the Danes, Grendel is taken over with hate and bitterness. He begins to wreak havoc on this town, savagely killing all those in his path. This continues for twelve years. Finally, Beowulf, the valiant protagonist arrives and swears to kill Grendel with his bare hands. Miraculously, he succeeds and Grendel’s reign of terror is put to an end (Beowulf …show more content…
Beginning with their ancestry, both Beowulf and Grendel have similar familial history. Although Beowulf is considered to have strong lineage, his father, Ecgtheow, was said to have been in a blood thirsty war because of a murder he committed (Beowulf 470). Just as Beowulf, Grendel is a descendant of a notorious killer: Cain. Secondly, both characters have protective mothers whose names were never mentioned. Even though Beowulf puts a huge emphasis on a hero’s strong lineage, both the villain and the hero have similar ancestry in this poem.
Also, Beowulf and Grendel have similar physical abilities. It is stated in the book that Grendel is able to carry thirty men in one hand, as he attacks the town (Beowulf 122). Similarly, when Beowulf is introduced, the author says that Beowulf has the strength of thirty men in his grip. (Beowulf 198) In both passages, the writer uses the same number, thirty, to emphasize their similarities. (Stitt 1) Normally, monstrous strength is an attribute that distinguishes an antagonist, but because both of these characters have inhumane abilities, the line between man and monster is
Biblically, because of his sins, Cain was cursed by God and became an outcast of society, along with all of his ancestors (New International Version, Gen 4. 16). Because of this, Grendel lives in a cave away from all civilization and hates joy and happiness. Grendel is also cursed with monstrous strength and looks. Upon hearing the joyous laughing and festivities in the land of the Danes, Grendel is taken over with hate and bitterness. He begins to wreak havoc on this town, savagely killing all those in his path. This continues for twelve years. Finally, Beowulf, the valiant protagonist arrives and swears to kill Grendel with his bare hands. Miraculously, he succeeds and Grendel’s reign of terror is put to an end (Beowulf …show more content…
Beginning with their ancestry, both Beowulf and Grendel have similar familial history. Although Beowulf is considered to have strong lineage, his father, Ecgtheow, was said to have been in a blood thirsty war because of a murder he committed (Beowulf 470). Just as Beowulf, Grendel is a descendant of a notorious killer: Cain. Secondly, both characters have protective mothers whose names were never mentioned. Even though Beowulf puts a huge emphasis on a hero’s strong lineage, both the villain and the hero have similar ancestry in this poem.
Also, Beowulf and Grendel have similar physical abilities. It is stated in the book that Grendel is able to carry thirty men in one hand, as he attacks the town (Beowulf 122). Similarly, when Beowulf is introduced, the author says that Beowulf has the strength of thirty men in his grip. (Beowulf 198) In both passages, the writer uses the same number, thirty, to emphasize their similarities. (Stitt 1) Normally, monstrous strength is an attribute that distinguishes an antagonist, but because both of these characters have inhumane abilities, the line between man and monster is