" (787-789).
Beowulf displayed his power and strength by defeating Grendel. Grendel was described as a villain that had several strengths of an animal and also could appear to have characteristics of them as well. When Beowulf tore off Grendel's arm with his bare hands, he symbolized taking away strength and power that Grendel once had. In today's society, power and strength are often characterized by showing one's strength or succession of certain things or obstacles. When Beowulf tore off Grendel's arm and hung it in Herot, he did that to show that his strength had conquered the force of one that was known to have all power. By defeating Grendel unarmed, Beowulf was able to demonstrate that he was able to defeat the terrified demon that had once terrorized the land. The arm displayed as a superior trophy as it hung in the mead-hall that was a common gathering place for many to see.
Beowulf's next battle against Grendel's mother showed his weakness. After Grendel's mother had found out that her some had been murdered in Herot it angered her, and she went after the one who had killed the demon known as her son. This ultimate action by Grendel's mother showed how a mother's love will drive her to make The final sacrifice for her child. This trait can be familiarly seen in society throughout time. In this battle, Beowulf knew that it would be different and that the struggle was going to be more unapproachable than the battle with Grendel. When Beowulf fought Grendel, he fought him in a great hall that resembled a place of joy and excitement. As he was getting ready for battle with Grendel's mother, it was referred to as a "hellish turnhole" (1513).
In the fight with Grendel's mom, there was somewhat hesitation with Beowulf. He entered this battle with armor and weapons as well as fully prepared for a true battle. He knew that this battle would be harder and more complicated because Grendel's mom was fighting for revenge for her dead child, anger, and to try and continue a legacy that had been destroyed.