In the epic " Beowulf," there was an immense amount of violence, that was accepted with different feelings by the other characters. The two main forms of violence were performed by Grendel, the banished monster style character, and by Beowulf- the hero of the story. The motivation, response from others, how violent acts fit into the Dane's culture and the outcome of their violent actions will be discussed in this paper.
             The motivation for each character's violence varied immensely. Grendel was an "unhappy creature" (p.28), this happened, "after God had condemned [him] as kin of Cain," (p.28), this lead Grendel to be a vengeful and wicked creature. When he attacked the Hall Heorot his attack was, "grim and fierce, was quickly ready, savage and cruel, and [he] seized from their rest thirty thanes," (p.28). Grendel killed to fulfill a blood lust and a deep hatred because he was alone in his situation. Beowulf, on the other hand, exercised violence for glory and to rid the evil monster. He talks big on how he will defeat Grendel, " I scorn to bear sword or broad shield, yellow wood, to the battle, but with my grasp I shall grapple with the enemy and fight for life, foe against foe," (p.32). Although he could fight Grendel bare handed, it still is boastful to talk about it and declare it to everyone; a real noble man would have spoken with his actions. When they acted upon each other they both shared a common motivation for their violence, "both were enraged, he two who meant to control the hall," (p.37). Beowulf also decides to fight for another reason- to be a legend, "he rejoiced in his night's work, a deed to make famous his courage." (p.37).
             Another major difference between the hero's and the villian's violent acts are the reactions their acts get from the other characters. Grendel obviously is on the receiving end of negative reacti
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