Grendel: Evil

            
             While taking an exciting tale of a battle between a monster and a hero, in the epic poem Beowulf, the numerous descriptions of good versus evil run vividly throughout the story creating powerful images of evil. To create the most malevolent images, the poet describes Grendel in a variety of ways portraying Grendel as a direct representation of what the Anglo-Saxon society deems the highest level of evil as.
             Allowing Grendel to embody full evilness, his mysterious background brings more fear and credibility to his evil than just his actions alone. Depicted by the poet as a member of "Cain's clan," (9) Grendel's biblical and spiritual history holds significant value. More specifically in his genealogy, Grendel lives as a product of Cain after Cain became "outlawed" by the "creator" (9) for the killing of his brother Abel. As a result of this messy background, the extent of the powers and evils that he possesses could have an unknown magnitude for he thrives as a direct decedent of the creator of evil. Also, Grendel does not know of any other ways beyond evil for he "dwelt for a time among the banished monsters." (9) Never experiencing or witnessing good, Grendel remains ignorant to the idea that good exists. As a result, after all his killings, he "never showed remorse." (11) This idea that Grendel knows of only evil creates fear to all the Anglo-Saxon people, for Grendel does not care who he kills. Whether it be an old man or a powerful warrior, he remains relentless without any sympathy or regret for who he kills. Unaware of good, and impartial to other's death, Grendel's mind functions on only a malignant level. .
             The power and force of Grendel, in addition to his intentions, create a clear idea of what the Anglo-Saxons fear. After his first attack, all the people know that "Grendel's powers of destruction were plain." (11) With his primitive mindset, his sole purpose lies in the death and pain of others.