The story Beowulf perfectly plays out the well used good verses evil theme. The good is represented by Beowulf, but the evil is represented by Grendel. Grendel is a "monster", so to speak, whose only desire is to see the Danes in torment. He does everything in his power to see that this is accomplished. However, whenever Grendel is referred to, it is almost always concerning his character, rather than his physical attributes.

Grendel is portrayed as a "demon sprite" (spirit) "whose heart was filled with fury and hate." He lives to wreak havoc upon the lives of the backslidden Danes. God has allowed, and even sent, Grendel for the express purpose of judgment on the Danes. The Danes had backslidden and turned their backs on God, so Grendel was their affliction from Him. Grendel's goal is to completely destroy the Danes and rule over Hrothgar Hall.

Hrothgar...