Beowulf Good Vs Evil

Conflict between good and evil exists in everyone, some might claim that we are innately good, while some may disagree that we are born evil. In the epic Beowulf, a brave warrior, Beowulf defeats hideous monsters such as Grendel and dragon through his magnificent power and bravery. The author, date, and purpose of this story are unknown, yet this poem is distinctive and significant at the same time. It is not simply about the victory over vicious creatures, but it shows the allegory of the conflict between good and evil within us. Therefore, the monsters are the symbol of evil, and Beowulf represents the quality of good human nature. Although the epic Beowulf emphasizes Beowulf’s victory over monsters, it implies the conflict within human

Grendel symbolizes the evil within human nature through its cruelty, while Beowulf shows the attribute of generosity. In the story, Grendel is a born evil, demonic character that ruthlessly murders Hrothgar’s men without any rational reason. He did not become evil at some point of life, but he is innately evil: “Born/Of Cain, murderous creatures banished/By god, punished forever for the crime/Of Abel’s death” (Beowulf 6-8). His evilness comes from his existence, and his blood of Cain. Cain is a biblical character who murdered his brother Abel, just like how Grendel kills innocent people in Herot. Though Cain does not exist anymore, he still lives in Grendel through his blood. Therefore, Grendel brutally attacks the Herot again and again without any mercy. On the other hand, Beowulf lavishly gives his treasure to Hyglac, Hygd and his men even though it is his own reward for

Due to anger and resentment caused by her son’s death, Grendel’s mother plans revenge to Beowulf and his men in Herot as: “His mother’s sad heart, and her greed, drove her from her den on the dangerous pathway of revenge” (Beowulf 1276-78). She slaughters Hrothgar’s men and greedily carries the victim and Grendel’s arm back to her lair, which vividly describes her evilness passed down from Cain. She undoubtedly does anything once she seeks revenge until she is completely satisfied. While Grendel’s mother shows the malignant trait, Beowulf exemplifies the virtuous warrior of Anglo-Saxons. After the massacre, he stands up for Hrothgar to take a revenge on the victims of Grendel’s mother, and he is willing to defeat her with confidence: “Arise, guardian/Of this kingdom, let us go, as quickly as we can,/And have a look at this lady monster.” (1389-91). These two attributes, courage and dependence are valued as a good human nature. Thus, the whole point of this battle between integrity and hatred can be interpreted that everyone has monstrous side and heroic side, though it is depending on each of us to develop either side of human