Grendel may be considered as one of the most interesting characters in Beowulf. He is a mix of a man and a monster. He has two legs, two arms, and one head, but is much larger and stronger than any man. He is also protected by a magic charm that guards him from man’s weapons.

Grendel’s fury is based on the human feelings of resentment and jealousy. He is angry with mankind because he feels that God blesses “humans,” but fails to bless him, for he is a descendent of Cain and dee

Grendel and his mother are considered as monsters with human-like qualities and characteristics; hence, humans can also be considered as having monstrous qualities. Humans also kill, steal, and threaten the very existence of human society. Therefore, are Grendel and his mother not human, too? Perhaps, the true question is who has the authority to label them as monsters when they are only one-half monster and one-half human? Why does their monster characteristics take precedence over their human sides? Again, questions to be interpreted equally by each individual reader.

suffering on behalf of Cain’s sins. This possibility also calls the reader’s attention to question why any of us must pay for others’ sins. Unfortunately, both questions are answered by mere speculations only.

Grendel’s motivation stems from Cain’s sins. Legend has it that the monsters of the earth are descendents of Cain and therefore eternally damned. This increases Grendel’s resentment of man, for God blesses man, whereas the “monsters” (Grendel and his mother) will never experience such generosity. “Suddenly then the God-cursed brute was creating havoc: greedy and grin, he grabbed thirty men from their resting places and

Revenge is a second theme served out by Grendel and his mother. Grendel seeks revenge on all of mankind for the heritage that he has received from Cain. “…For the killing of Abel the Eternal Lord exacted a price: Cain got no good from committing that murder because the Almighty made him anathema and out of the curse of his exile there sprang ogres and elves and evil phantoms…” (35, lines 107-112)

Some topics in this essay:
Monsters Humans, Danes Geats, Beowulf Grendel, God Grendel’s, Eternal Lord, Grendel Harris, grendel mother, Company Inc, moral traits, death son, human-like qualities, human emotions, cain’s sins, evil monsters, questions answered, descendents cain, raids heorot,