Shield was considered a king, as he was able to rampage through his foes, and was paid tribute those that lost. Though Grendel was described as a monster, he too has killed people, but was not viewed as good. Beowulf, the protagonist, is the “hero” of the story for having great power and looked up to by others. The idea of a monster, king, and hero are similar in different because of their power, and motivation.
The first character to be introduced in Beowulf was Shield Sheafson. “There was Shield Sheafson, scourge of many tribes, a wrecker of mead-benches, rampaging among foes”(Line 4-5). Shield Sheafson was a powerful ruler. He showed no mercy. People also payed tribute to him. “The mightiest man on earth, high-born and powerful”(line 197-198). Beowulf is described to be the most powerful man during his time. The only person who can go up against Grendel. Not only were the characters in Beowulf powerful, but they all had their own sources of motivation that encouraged them to use it.
“Grendel was the name of this grim demon, haunting the marches, marauding round the heath and the desolate fens; he had dwelt for a time in misery among the banished monsters, Cain's clan, whom the Creator had outlawed and condemned as outcasts(line 102- 107). Grendel is considered an outcast, even though he did
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He saw many men in the mansion, sleeping, a ranked company of kinsmen and warriors quartered together. And his glee was demonic, picturing the mayhem: before morning he would rip life from limb and devour them, feed on their flesh; but his fate that night was due to change, his days of ravening had come to an end.”(line 723-735). Everyone has committed murder. Grendel was going to kill all those men. And Grendel was going to be slain by