Grendel

Grendel is a hairy beast-like creature. He looks like an animal, except he has the reasoning capabilities like a human. He is best known from the sixth-century epic poem Beowulf as the first beast Beowulf defeated. The difference between the poetic Grendel and Gardner’s Grendel is the higher cognitive properties. The poetic Grendel was a primitive being, only capable of the most basic functions. However, Gardner’s Grendel possesses higher critical thinking skills than the humans. He grapples with his identity as compared to the humans. He is a descendant of the biblical Cain, the brother that murdered his brother out of jealousy. This sin caused a hostile separation between the two, and they were natural enemies.

Grendel follows the creature as he tries to understand exactly who and what he is while he watches the humans live. At first, he is intrigued by the humans. He...