Beowulf
In the story Beowulf, translated by Michael Alexander, Grendel and Beowulf are two characters that resemble good and evil in the book. Grendel, a descendant of Cain, is portrayed as a malevolent monster which causes malice throughout the city of Herot. Beowulf is a character that exemplifies great courage and strength in the face of danger. These two characters are quite diverse from each other and have two distinct characteristics in the story. Grendel depicts a true monster of evil that has no knowledge of good or evil: "Grendel was the name of this grim demon haunting the marches, marauding round the health and the desolate fens; he had dwelt for a time in misery among the banished monsters, Cin's clan, whom the creator had outlawed and condemned as outlawed and condemned as outcast" (54). Grendel's attacks on Herot trem
He says, "And if death does take me, send the hammered mail of my armor to Higlac, return the inheritance I had from Hrehtel, and from Wayland. Beowulf creates support for himself by this task, which assists him in defeating the monstrous Grendel. Grendel feels powerful due to his ability of force and character of evil which he exemplifies so well. The characters in the poem, are two extremely divers individuals that have different ambitions and priorities. Throughout the story, Beowulf remains the valiant and fearless protagonist, while Grendel causes hurt and damage. Their comparison sets them apart both in temperament and in the way they think. By attacking the city, Grendel's image grows and all the people of Herot become petrified at even hearing his name: "Peace was not in his mind towards any companion of the court of Hrothgar, the foud was not abated, the blood-price was unpaid" (55). His bravery and strength surpass all mortal men by being a noble example for all human beings relaying the necessity of brotherhood and friendship. The most valiant of traits within Beowulf is that he is not afraid to die because of his explanation about it before he goes off too war. Even with the enormous amount of confidence Beowulf possesses, he understands that fate will work its magic no matter when he could be killed at any point in his life. He faces that reality by showing no fear and preparing for a positive or a fatal outcome. Beowulf is the heroic figure in the poem who is known throughout the land as a fearless man who performs great deeds of heroism. Let me live in greatness and courage, or here in this hall welcome my death" (90).
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