The character, Beowulf is representative of every human- past, present, and future. During one's life, minor inconveniences arise each day, however greater problems that are more complex develop, which require a new order of thinking to overcome them. The monsters identified in Beowulf, represent the major obstacles, or problems, that one must overcome in their lifetime. Beowulf defeats all of the insignificant, everyday monsters with ease, but much attention is drawn to the major, more problematic monsters- Grendel, Grendels" mother, and The Dragon.
Grendel is "a powerful monster, living down in pain"; a descendant of Cain, Grendel lives under an inherited curse of God. This monster is one of Beowulf's first adversaries. Grendel has no fear as he approaches Herot on the night that Beowulf ambushes him. .
Out from the marsh Grendel came, hoping to kill. He has visited Hrothgar's home before, knew the way- but never before found Herot defended so firmly, his reception so harsh. And rushed angrily over the threshold. He strode quickly across the inlaid floor snarling and fierce. Seeing the hall crowded with sleeping warriors his heart laughed. He intended to tear the life from those bodies. (Lines 710-30).
He assumes that his nights of bloody devouring will continue, and unlike Beowulf, he hardly gives attention to his method of attack. He acts without thinking; he has no knowledge of weapons, and depends on his strength and his violent behavior to destroy whatever he hates and envies. Beowulf overcomes Grendels" brute strength and defeats him. The fight with Grendel, prepares Beowulf for his next two major conflicts.
It is assumed that Beowulf is at least in his twenties when he fights the ferocious monster, Grendel. At this age, humans in general have usually started a permanent individuality and consequently have encountered difficulties. The battle between Beowulf and Grendel is represented by this stage in life.