Monstrosities within Beowulf
The monsters in the poem Beowulf represent characteristics opposite to what defines a hero. Grendel represents cowardliness, Grendel's mother symbolizes vengeance, and the Dragon is a symbol for greed. Beowulf is considered one of the greatest works of literature to emerge from the Anglo-Saxon culture. The Old English epic poem consists of 3182 alliterative lines and was estimated to have been written between the 8th and early 11th century (Shmoop Editorial Team). The story takes place in Scandinavia and revolves around the hero Beowulf who defeats three extraordinary monsters before his passing.
Grendel is a man-eating demon who attacks King Hrothgar's mead-hall every evening for twelve consecutive years. He shows his cowardliness by attacking Hrothgar's men at night when they are asleep. This gives Grendel the unfair advantage since the men have their defenses lowered. The monster's mind also floods with fear as soon as he meets Beowulf, the only being who could match his strength (Shmoop Editorial Team).
The Old English epic poem Beowulf is written in al...
An illustration of Grendel by J.R. Skelton from St...
English: An illustration of Beowulf fighting the d...When the fight between Beowulf and Grendel finally commences, Grendel tries to flee from Beowulf like the chicken he is. Beowulf rips Grendel's arm off and he flees back to his cave and slowly bleeds out to his death (Shmoop Editorial Team).
After finding out about the death of her son, Grendel's Mother attacks Hrothgar's closest friend out of anger and vengeance. Beowulf then travels to her lair to do what is right by trying to slay her. She then fights the hero to avenge Grendel but is not so successful. Beowulf slices through her neck and kills the beast with one blow. He then returns to Herot and is praised by Hrothgar and his followers (Shmoop Editorial Team). Beowulf is then crowned King and rules Geatland for fifty years.
The Dragon represents greed in the...