Though he is not included in the poem Beowulf, the Shaper plays a large role in Grendel, by John Gardner. He plays an important role to the thanes and educates them with much knowledge. The Shaper also has a unique relationship with Grendel. The Shaper is an important figure in not only the role and message with which he provides the thanes, but also the important understanding and relationship he has with Grendel. .
In this society, the Shaper has an important impact on both Grendel and the people. In one sense, the Shaper is a sort of savior. He brings new hope to the king as well as to the thanes. When they are feeling hopeless, the Shaper appears and sings his songs filled with hope. He also brings with him knowledge and history to share. While he is alive, the kingdom prospers. He raises the kingdom from despair, allowing it to become a great power led by King Hrothgar. To the thanes he is an ".old heart-string scratcher, memory scraper." (46) With his encouragement the king's kingdom grows and he ".builds a magnificent meadhall high on a hill. to stand forever as a sign of the glory and justice of Hrothgar Danes." (47).
The Shaper's messages are always filled with hope. ".the old man sings of a glorious meadhall whose light would shine to the ends of the ragged world." (47) Because of his encouragement, the kingdom prospers. He also tells people about their history, teaching them so they are careful not to repeat their mistakes. Just by singing in the mead halls nightly, the Shaper helps improve the society he lives in. He brings inspiration to the people to fight and be victorious. The most important impact the Shaper makes, however, is with Grendel. With his messages ".he built this hall by the power of his songs." (47).
The Shaper touches Grendel in a way that no one else is able to, except for the Queen. Grendel is intrigued by him, thinking he is a beautiful person. Unlike the other men, the Shaper does not kill but instead brings joy.
