Throughout the epic story Beowulf and Grendel by John Garnder, both characters displayed quite an amount of differences and similarities. Although they are enemy of each other, they both shares similar actions, but different in their mentality. Because the period of history they were in "Shut away from men; they split/Into a thousand forms of evil-spirits/And fiends, goblins, monsters, giants, /A brood forever opposing the Lord's/Will, and again and again defeated" (Beowulf ln.25-29). This time reflects the values and heroic ideals of a particular culture.
Lets start with Grendel, a mean, cunning, and intelligent beast that would kill for pleasures. He often described himself as smarter than most other creatures. He once said "Not of course, that I fool myself with thoughts that I"m more noble" (Gardner 6). This shows the arrogance in Grendel and betrayed by Beowulf. Beowulf once stated, "No one else could do/What I mean to, here, no man but me/Could hope to defeat this monster" (Beowulf ln. 683-685). Both of these characters have full confident and arrogance in themselves. Beowulf, like Grendel is a strong fighter, they both fought through life and were undefeated.
Even though Beowulf and Grendel shared some similarities, but they are so much different from one another, evil and greatness. Grendel is "Pointless, ridiculous monster crouched in the shadows, stinking of dead men, murdered children, martyred cows" (Gardner 6). Grendel grew up with hatred of men in him, so to him killing would be a pleasure and satisfaction to his heart. So as day go by, Grendel's reputation grew bigger and hated by more people from afar. Beowulf in the other hand was well known and respected by most people. Beowulf was known for his bravery, wits, and determination. Beowulf kills through life for the safety of the innocence. While Grendel, kills just to fulfill his hunger of evilness.
Through this epic, another character could be contrast with both Beowulf and Grendel, the dragon.
