In most stories, I am usually more interested in the villain, or the antagonist, than the hero, or the protagonist. Especially in the stories that we have read, I found myself liking the monster much more than the good guy. In these short stories, I thought that the heroes were boring and the monsters really spiced up the stories. I wanted to keep reading and turning the pages of the book because I wanted to find out what happens to the villain, and not so much the hero. .
In Beowulf, Grendel was a fascinating monster. I thought that the author's way of describing Grendel's love of murder was vicious as well as satisfying. "The monster's thoughts were as quick as his greed or his claws: He slipped through the door and there in silence snatched up thirty men, smashed them unknowing in their beds, and ran out with their bodies, the blood dripping behind him, back to his lair, delighted with his night's slaughter." (pg.21-22) In my opinion, if someone or something can actually take pleasure in killing people, then that person or thing is a true monster.
Yet, even though I think that Grendel is a true monster and that it is very wrong to kill others just because it pleasures you, I did have some sympathy towards him at the end of the epic. When Beowulf decided not to kill him and wounded him instead and left him to suffer and die, I felt very bad for Grendel. This was because when he killed the people he did it quickly and painlessly, the people didn't even know what hit them, but Beowulf wanted Grendel to suffer and left him in pain. I think that Grendel has feelings too, and even though he killed a massive amount of people, he still shouldn't suffer, he should die just as quickly as they did. I think that it was very wrong of Beowulf to inflict that amount of pain on Grendel. .
Also in Beowulf, Grendel's mom was a very interesting villain. As all moms are today, human and animal, she is the protector of her children.
