Grendel In Beowulf

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Grendel is described as this huge, ugly beast that stalks his prey in the middle of the night--a "bold demon who waited in darkness" (line 86). These characteristics are commonly linked to what we as readers identify as a typical monster. The poet describes Grendel's shared family history with Cain as: "...this miserable man / lived for a time in the land of giants, / after the Creator had condemned him / among Cain's race--when he killed Abel / the eternal Lord avenged that death" (lines 104-108). Grendel is related to a man who murdered his own brother, and usually individuals are judged by association. Readers are prone to believe Grendel is naturally monstrous because of his lineage, and his actions only support this.. he kills out of anger,