Title: The Origin of Grendel's Wrath:

Exploring the Characterization of a Monster

Introduction: In the Old English epic poem "Beowulf," Grendel is described as a monstrous and
supernatural figure who is descended from Cain, a biblical figure from the story of Cain and Abel
in the Book of Genesis. According to the poem, Grendel is a direct descendant of Cain, who was
cursed by God for killing his brother Abel. This lineage marks Grendel as an outsider, forever
separated from human society and plagued by a sense of existential isolation and torment.
Characterization: Grendel’s character is frequently associated with the prototype "monster",
This is a creature or animal who looks frightening but, deep down, also secretly yearns for the
affection and love of an ordinary person. His mother was also a monster, and the two lived in a
desolate cave and were cut off from other creatures. This background contributes to his
isolation and feeling of rejection by the world. What enraged him is the fact that his external
appearance makes people terrified, causing others not to want to be around him anymore,
therefore meaning he must remain in the darkness and be blocked off from society to prevent
any possible harm. He was shunned, and it clearly made him furious. He also developed feelings
of envy, resentment, and wrath towards mankind. As a form of retaliation against people, he
terrorised and occasionally devoured the warriors of the Danish king Hrothgar. Grendel began a
very long history of slaughtering and attacking the Danes because he was envious of their
revelry in Heorot's mead hall.
Grendel's descent from Cain is significant in the poem as it reinforces his role as an embodiment
of evil, a creature cursed by his ancestry and driven to wreak havoc upon mankind. Grendel's
origins and lineage tie into the larger themes of the poem, which explore the struggle between
good and evil, the heroic code, and the transition from paganism to Christianity. Grendel's
connection to Cain adds a layer of theological and moral complexity to his character,
contributing to the poem's exploration of the human condition and the forces of darkness that
challenge human endeavours.
Role of the outsider: Grendel's character represents the role of the outsider in the poem. He is a
figure of isolation and exclusion from his own society. This isolation and rejection from his own
kind results in feelings of anger and hatred towards humans who possess the things that he
desires most, such as love, companionship, and happiness. Through his character, we can see
the effects of isolation and rejection on the individual, and how it can lead to a feeling of anger
and a desire for revenge.
Conclusion: In summary, Grendel's character is a product of his environment and the way he has
been treated by society. His isolation, loneliness and rejection by humanity have contributed to
his anger and resentment, which manifest in his attacks on the people of Denmark. He may not
be pure evil, but he is driven by emotions and a desire for justice. It is important to understand
his character and motivations to understand his anger and his wrath.
References:
Kermode, F. (1983). The classic tradition of literature. London: Routledge.
Natalia Dickerson (2012). “The Wrath of Grendel”
Baldwin, Stanley P., and Elaine Strong Skill. (31 August 2023). How to Cite the Literature Note
for Beowulf: