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Grendel by John Gardner

 

            
             The novel opens late in the chronological development of a plot. Grendel, a powerful, intelligent monster, has been at war with a band of humans for twelve years. As the novel progresses, he recounts the events of his life that led to the war and the bitter years that followed. .
             Grendel lives in a dark and gruesome underground cave with his mother and dozens of cold, unmoving creatures. He is very curious and, in his early years, finds a way to escape this terrible place and enter the world. Every night he wanders outside his cave, exploring the land around him. One night, he gets trapped in a tree. A band of human beings led by King Hrothgar approaches and, after some hesitation, attacks Grendel. They close in for the kill, but Grendel's mother arrives just in time to save him. .
             Years after his encounter with Grendel, Hrothgar's power and influence grow until he rules an immense territory. He builds a glorious meadhall, the greatest in the land, and names it Herot. He builds roads to connect his kingdom and hires an immensely gifted Harper to play at special occasions. Grendel is fascinated by the Harper's music and tries to join the humans, but he is attacked by the frightened guards and must flee. Feeling lonely and rejected, he visits an ancient dragon that lives within the kingdom. The dragon speaks for some time, and his wicked, tired cynicism infects Grendel. He puts a charm on the young monster, making him impervious to human blades. After this, Grendel becomes a creature of pure destruction. At the onset of each subsequent spring, Grendel carries out several raids on Hrothgar's meadhall. He is very careful about this, leaving just enough men behind to rebuild and grow for the next spring. .
             Several years after he builds his meadhall, Hrothgar discovers that one of his neighbors has become a threat. A young king has risen to power nearby and soon his property will border Hrothgar's. Weakened by Grendel's yearly raids, Hrothgar is afraid he cannot stand against an attack from the new king.


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