" Beowulf displayed his strength when he ripped off Grendel's limb, the fight in the cave under water, and the magic sword. ... Katniss is less eager to take life than is Beowulf, but Katniss faces mere mortals rather than the Spawn of Cain and a dragon. ... On the other hand, Beowulf kills Grendel, a savage monster, that had to be destroyed, and did so without weapons. Grendel's mother, however, acted only out of retribution, and Beowulf had to use magic to kill her. ...

• Word Count: 591
• Approx Pages: 2
• Grade Level: High School

Grendel is seen as one who exists outside of Germanic society because he would never make peace with any Dane, nor stop his death-dealing, nor pay the death-price. Because Grendel does not follow the custom of paying a death-price when one is killed, he is viewed as being anti-social and thus, an outcast from society. It is also important to note that Grendel is a descendent of Cain, who was also banished from society for killing his brother. ... Because this threat is unlike any other that Beowulf has ever encountered, he may accept this challenge against Grendel as a way to enhance his ow...

• Word Count: 1559
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: High School