# Which Word Best Completes The Comparison Of Beowulf And Grendel
## Introduction
The epic poem Beowulf, written in Old English, is one of the most important works of literature in English history. It tells the story of the hero Beowulf, who comes to the aid of the Danes to defeat the monster Grendel. The comparison of Beowulf and Grendel is a complex and fascinating topic that has been the subject of much scholarly debate. In this article, we will explore the key similarities and differences between the two characters and consider which word best completes the comparison of Beowulf and Grendel.
## Background Information
Before we delve into the comparison of Beowulf and Grendel, it is important to have a basic understanding of the characters and their roles in the epic poem. Beowulf is a Geatish warrior who travels to the land of the Danes to help King Hrothgar and his people, who are being terrorized by the monster Grendel. Grendel is a descendant of the biblical figure Cain and is described as a fearsome and destructive creature.
## Similarities Between Beowulf and Grendel
### Strength and Power
One key similarity between Beowulf and Grendel is their exceptional strength and power. Beowulf is portrayed as a larger-than-life hero with superhuman abilities, while Grendel is a monstrous being with immense physical strength. Both characters are formidable opponents and possess the ability to cause great destruction.
### Ferocity and Violence
Another similarity between Beowulf and Grendel is their capacity for ferocity and violence. Beowulf is a fearless and aggressive warrior who engages in brutal combat, while Grendel is a ruthless and relentless predator who terrorizes the Danes with his savage attacks. Both characters are associated with acts of aggression and bloodshed.
### Alienation and Loneliness
Beowulf and Grendel also share a sense of alienation and loneliness. Beowulf is a foreign hero who travels to the land of the Danes to aid them, and he often finds himself struggling to fit in with their society. Grendel, on the other hand, is a solitary and isolated figure, dwelling in a desolate marsh and cut off from human contact. Both characters experience feelings of isolation and a sense of being apart from the world around them.
## Differences Between Beowulf and Grendel
### Motivations and Intentions
One significant difference between Beowulf and Grendel lies in their motivations and intentions. Beowulf is driven by a sense of duty and honor, seeking to protect the Danes and prove his prowess as a hero. In contrast, Grendel is motivated by a deep-seated resentment and hatred towards human beings, which fuels his destructive actions. Beowulf’s actions are guided by a desire to uphold noble ideals, while Grendel’s actions are driven by a dark and malevolent force.
### Cultural and Moral Values
Another difference between Beowulf and Grendel is their adherence to cultural and moral values. Beowulf embodies the heroic virtues of loyalty, bravery, and honor, upholding the codes of conduct that define the warrior culture of his time. Grendel, in contrast, represents the antithesis of these values, as a creature ruled by primal instincts and devoid of any moral principles. Beowulf is a paragon of virtuous behavior, while Grendel is a symbol of corruption and depravity.
### Perception and Interpretation
The way in which Beowulf and Grendel are perceived and interpreted by others is also a key point of difference. Beowulf is revered and celebrated as a legendary hero, admired for his extraordinary feats and revered for his noble character. Grendel, on the other hand, is reviled and feared as a monstrous abomination, despised for his savage nature and condemned for his malevolent deeds. While Beowulf is seen as a figure of honor and pride, Grendel is seen as a creature of fear and loathing.
## Which Word Best Completes The Comparison Of Beowulf and Grendel
### Redemption
The word “redemption” best completes the comparison of Beowulf and Grendel. Redemption implies the act of being saved or delivered from sin, error, or evil, and it encompasses the idea of atonement, renewal, and transformation. In the context of Beowulf and Grendel, the concept of redemption captures the fundamental contrast between the two characters and their respective fates.
Beowulf embodies the theme of redemption through his heroic deeds and noble qualities. He takes on the role of a savior and protector, delivering the Danes from the menace of Grendel and later facing other adversaries in defense of his people. Beowulf’s actions are driven by a sense of moral purpose and a commitment to upholding the values of his society, ultimately leading to his own redemption as a legendary hero.
Grendel, on the other hand, represents a figure devoid of redemption, consumed by his own malevolence and destined for a tragic end. His relentless rampage and savage nature leave him isolated and condemned, with no hope of salvation or renewal. Grendel’s existence is defined by a lack of redemption, as he remains an unredeemed and unreformable force of evil throughout the epic.
In this way, the word “redemption” serves to encapsulate the central contrast between Beowulf and Grendel, highlighting the themes of virtue and vice, heroism and villainy, and ultimately, salvation and damnation.
## Conclusion
The comparison of Beowulf and Grendel is a rich and complex endeavor that reveals the profound contrasts and parallels between the two characters. While they share certain traits such as strength and violence, they differ significantly in their motivations, values, and destinies. The word “redemption” best completes the comparison of Beowulf and Grendel, capturing the essential difference between the heroic savior and the unredeemed monster. As we continue to explore the enduring significance of Beowulf and Grendel, it is important to consider the timeless themes of virtue, vice, and the possibility of redemption in the human experience.
