Beowulf And Grendel's Mother

In this passage of Beowulf, Beowulf and Grendel’s mother are fighting in an underwater cave. This passage is significant because it contradicts the image of Beowulf as a hero and Grendel’s mother as a villain. In the first part of the passage, the author contrasts qualities about Grendel’s mother and Beowulf by calling Beowulf a “hero” and Grendel’s mother a “that swamp-thing from hell.” The word “hero” is used to describe Beowulf as an honorable character as it is someone who endangers their own life in order to help others. Nothing else is told about Beowulf except this broad description however Grendel’s mother is described as a “swamp thing.” This kenning depicts Grendel’s mother as a monster who comes from a despicable and diabolical background. It shows how she is associated with evil and not recognized as a living being. Furthermore, the description of the monster as “that swamp-thing from hell” highlights Grendel’s mother’s evil nature and conveys her as barbaric to convey that she is an irrational enemy. This is vital because it displays Grendel’s mother as a villain and that she craves

This is seen by her pinning down Beowulf before she attacks to show that she is committing a necessary evil and that she truly doesn't want to engage in killing.This kind characteristic is seen when Grendel's mother will “avenge her only son” as a sympathetic tone is used here to show the good side of Grendel’s mom. Her actions were justified because her intentions was to simply avenge her son whom she deeply cared for. Diction is additionally used in words such as, “pounced” to show the fierce actions, demonstrating Grendel’s mom’s anger and at the same time her love for