In the intro summary to one section of the story, it says “Grendel’s mother kidnaps and kills Hrothgar’s best friend”. She sought revenge on the king for her son’s death which means she cared for her son. It’s safe to assume that it is possible that Grendel cared for his mother as well; after all you normally care for someone who cares for you. This makes me think that Grendel couldn’t have been all bad.
But if Grendel had some good in him, why didn’t he show it? The story only focuses on the evil he caused, and not on the fact that his mother loved him enough to seek revenge. Why would his mother love him if there was no good in him? This brings me to believe that there was good in him he didn’t share with the world. I think he kept it locked up and only showed his mother his loving, caring side.
Grendel’s mother loved her son; doesn’t that imply that he returned her love? I believe that Grendel had a nice side to him, but he only showed his evil side outside of his cavern and his mother was the only one to know he had a loving side. I guess we will never know for sure if Grendel had this good side.
2 comments:
Wow. Beowulf. That was like almost 10 years ago. Thank you for making me feel old. Also, I'll use being old as an excuse for not remembering who Grendel was/is. Sorry no help from me! (but that's nothing new)
very insightful, and well written
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