Beowulf and Grendel: The Original "Odd Couple" This essay compares and contrasts Beowulf and Grendel as well as the other villians of this epic.

Essay by CelticRunnerHigh School, 12th gradeA, January 2005

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Beowulf is the protagonist of a self-titled epic poem. Beowulf is shown as a man with extraordinary strength and skills, he proves himself to be powerful, honorable, and courageous. He willingly goes to help the Danes in fighting a monster that is

attacking them, proving that he is kindness is a powerful as his bravery. Grendel is one of the antagonists. Grendel is a satanic-looking creature that looks like a giant human. These two characters have little in common other than the fact they are in the same story. Since they do not have much in common, they must vary in several ways. Three distinct ways that Beowulf and Grendel vary are in character, allegory, and size & strength.

Beowulf is an important person in the Geats society. His grandfather and uncle had both been kings of the Geats. Despite his heritage, Beowulf has never been thought of as a hero.

Beowulf still did the right things, even though he did not get credit for his work. As a result, when he hears about the Danes being harassed by a monster, he decides to go Denmark. Because of his warrior heritage, Beowulf feels he will easily kill Grendel. Grendel is the monster terrorizing the Danes. Grendel is depicted as a descendant of Cain, who committed the first murder. Like Cain, Grendel has been cursed by God. Grendel is envious of Hrothgar's success so he becomes a curse upon Danes bringing Beowulf to Denmark. While both Beowulf and Grendel are both confident, they have different degrees of confidence. Beowulf feels that out of his heritage and strength he will defeat Grendel. Grendel approaches the area feeling that the Danes will just hide as normal. What Grendel does not know is that one man more powerful than he is awaiting his...