In every situation there are always two sides to the same story. The death of Grendel in the novel Beowulf is quite a contrast to the portrayal of the same event in the novel Grendel.
The death of Grendel in Burton Raffel's Beowulf is portrayed as a monumental event that has the power to affect the fate of a nation. "Let God be thanked! Grendel's terrible anger hung over our heads too long, dropping down misery; but the Almighty makes miracles when He pleases, wonder after wonder, and this world rests in His hands" (Raffel line 928-932). While the aftermath of Beowulf's glory in conquering Grendel is full of emotion and excitement, the very act of this defeat is somewhat devoid of any real feeling. The actual fatal wounding of Grendel is portrayed in as little words as possible. "He twisted in pain, and the bleeding sinews deep in his shoulder snapped, muscle and bone split and broke. The battle was over, Beowulf had been granted new glory" (Raffel lines 815-819). .
The very same situation is depicted in stark contrast through John Gardener's Grendel. While Beowulf views his battle with Grendel as an act of bravery and a task that must be completed, Grendel sees things just a bit differently. The portrayal of his own death through Grendel's eyes is full of confusion and emotion. "My whole arm's on fire, incredible, searing pain- it's as if his crushing fingers are charged like fangs with poison" (Gardener lines pg 168-69). Grendel feels humiliated by his defeat. He feels taunted by Beowulf throughout the struggle of power that eventually leads to his death. He hears Beowulf whispering to him; teasing him. "He laughs as he whispers. I roll my eyes back. Flames slip out at the corners of his mouth" (Gardener pg 170). As he leaves the battle site, he can envision the people of the land scorning him. Through his confusion, humiliation and pain, he makes one last desperate call for his mama. "Mama, mama! I"m dying! But her love is history" (Gardener pg 173).
