Monstrosity and Heroism in Beowulf: a Study of Three Adversaries

Introduction

In the Old English epic poem "Beowulf," the interpretation of monstrous creatures is intricately linked to the relationship between the hero Beowulf and the adversaries he faces: Grendel, Grendel’s mother, and the dragon. These entities, including the humanoid Grendel and his vengeful mother, as well as the fire-breathing dragon whose breath bursts forth ominously from the rock (line 2557), engage in destructive acts against humankind. However, each monster possesses its unique motivations for their malevolent actions. Grendel is aggrieved by the Danes’ excessive revelry in their grand mead hall, Heorot; Grendel’s mother seeks vengeance for the death and dismemberment of her son; and the theft of prized treasures provokes the wrath of the slumbering dragon.

Monsters and Combat

The encounters between Beowulf, who notably fights "with no weapon" (line 683) and earns the "glory of victory" (line 686) through combat, and these monstrous beings underscore the distinct nature of each creature. The initiation and conduct of these battles differ markedly from conventional warfare; in this context, war is a political necessity and a means to gain renown. Yet, it is perceived as terrifying when monstrous beings undertake such acts of violence. Consequently, these semi-human entities and the dragon warrant closer scrutiny and interpretation.

Grendel: The Outcast

Grendel is an isolated, human-like creature dwelling in a desolate underwater lair. As suggested by Symons, Grendel symbolizes social exclusion and isolation, being "fatherless" (line 1355). His lack of a paternal figure is emphasized, as humans are typically introduced as the "son of someone." Grendel is depicted as a humanoid aberration, with "eyes that blaze baleful light" and a physique "warped in the shape of man" and "bigger than any man" (lines 1352-1353). Grendel's unnaturalness is further highlighted by his massive head, requiring "four to hoist" onto a spear. Additionally, he is portrayed as a solitary being, preferring silence. The "loud banquet" within Heorot would "harrow him" (line 87), setting the stage for conflict between the Danes and Beowulf. Delahoyde introduces the "doppelganger effect" to contrast Beowulf and Grendel, utilizing confusing pronouns like "he" and "his" repeatedly. This distinction accentuates Grendel's unworthiness as a respectable warrior in Anglo-Saxon culture, contrasting with Beowulf, who achieves glory by defeating his unarmed foe with his bare hands. Despite Beowulf’s cunning in pretending to sleep when Grendel attacks Heorot, devouring a Danish warrior, he is deemed honorable. Negative connotations are used to portray Grendel as a destructive force driven by deprivation and resentment toward humanity.

Grendel's Mother: The Avenger

Grendel’s mother is a "female monster" driven by the desire to avenge her "kinsman’s death" (line 1340). She is depicted as a lamenting figure, her son's murder fueling her vengeful ambition. Although Grendel’s mother resembles her son in many ways, appearing like a "woman" (line 1351), she also exhibits masculine traits. After Beowulf displays Grendel's dismembered arm in Heorot, Grendel's mother retaliates by claiming the life of Hrothgar’s right-hand man, Aeschere. This parallelism highlights her relentless pursuit of vengeance. Her blood feud is distinct from Grendel’s; her intent is clear, to mirror Beowulf’s actions against Grendel by exacting a similar toll on Hrothgar. She desires the Danes to experience the same suffering she endures, justifying her swift retreat after retrieving Grendel’s arm. Delahoyde identifies Grendel’s mother as a complex figure in Anglo-Saxon culture, her malice conflicting with traditional feminine roles. She emerges as an extraordinary monster, exhibiting masculinity in a female form, yet her evil is less pronounced than Grendel’s.

The Dragon: The Greedy Guardian

The dragon represents a stark contrast to Beowulf. As the most predictable of Beowulf's foes, it embodies greed and the darker aspects of kinship. Beowulf, in his eighties, confronts the dragon as the "ring-giver" (line 2635), respected by the Geats. In contrast, the dragon hoards treasure without purpose, while Beowulf, a generous king, distributes battle-acquired wealth. This contrast illustrates the difference between a noble and ignoble ruler, enhancing Beowulf’s virtues. As a responsible king, Beowulf performs one final heroic act to defeat the dragon, aided by his loyal warrior Wiglaf, whose "decorated sword sank into the Dragon’s belly and the flames grew weaker." The dragon’s emergence is pivotal in illustrating Beowulf’s remarkable deeds and legacy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the monsters in "Beowulf" play crucial roles in the narrative, paralleling Beowulf's character and highlighting his virtues. Grendel, the most fearsome of the three, is a humanoid monster slain by Beowulf, emphasizing their stark differences and underscoring Beowulf's prowess as a warrior. Grendel’s mother challenges traditional Anglo-Saxon gender roles, displaying formidable masculinity. The dragon serves to underscore Beowulf's virtues as a wise and generous king. These monstrous entities contrast with Beowulf at various stages, reflecting and amplifying his qualities. Their malevolence is effectively used to portray Beowulf as a paragon of humanity, making them indispensable to the poem's exploration of character and morality.

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