Beowulf

The poem “Beowulf” depicts a very direct representation of good versus evil, right versus wrong. This 18th century poem is centered around Beowulf, the hero, battling against three antagonists representing evil. The first of which is Grendel, a man-monster, described as a “soul-slayer” who stalks his human prey during the night. The other two adversaries, who will be the focus of this paper, are described in a similar cynical approach.

As previously stated, the poet is very clear in differentiating between the characters of good and evil. After Beowulf defeats and kills his first opponent (Grendel), another foe is introduced to the reader. One can deduce that this next character is a rival primarily because she is described as Grendel’s mother, a she-monster or she-wolf with a greedy and darkly-mind who is on a journey to avenge her only son’s death (ch. 20). Noting that Grendel was labeled a demon who felt no need to “salute the throne,” one can assume the same of his mother, along with the description of her “greedy and darkly-mind”. The notions of greed and contempt thoughts are associated with transgression and evil.

Furthermore, the king (and Beowulf’s friend) refers to Grendel’s mother as an “unjust, slaughterous dark spirit” (ch. 21). These are very distinct words with vividly wicked connotations to give emphasis to the intense evil Grendel’s mother represents. For example, the poet uses the word “slaughter” instead of murder or kill to emphasize the violent and brutal manner in which she killed her prey.

Later in the poem, she is called “God’s foe,” a synonym for the Devil and one who is “estranged from the eternal Lord” living a life of evil and sin (ch. 25). Clearly, by analyzing the poet’s description of Grendel’s mother, it is obvious to see that she is an evil enemy who pursued a life of sin.

The third and last contender Beowulf battles is a dragon, introduced at the end of the poem. However, although the dragon is Beowulf’s opponent in battle, he was provoked to fight, unlike Grendel. It is stated by the poet that the dragon peacefully dwelled as a treasure-guardian before a Geat fugitive roused the dragon by thievery (ch. 32). Nevertheless, the