Beowulf: Who Is The Real Monster?

Who is the “real” monster?

Menacing, repulsive, gruesome and grotesque are all words that come to mind when you think of monster. “Beowulf” is one of the most well known poems in the Anglo-Saxon eras. This “epic” poem was written in the eighth century and composed in England. The setting of“Beowulf” is set in Denmark and South Western Sweden. Beowulf’s character is portrayed as an epic hero, who is a leader, with unusual human strengths. In the epic poem “Beowulf,” I believe that Hrothgar and his people are the “real” monsters. The three battles; the battle with Grendel, the battle with Grendel’s mom, and the battle with the Dragon all show different ways that tell how Hrothgar and his men are the real monsters. Grendel is the first monster that Beowulf fought. Grendel is a horrifying, gruesome monster that lives in an underground lake that is considered to be his laier. In this battle Hrothgar and his men show that they are the “real monsters,” because they are in the Mead Hall playing their music really loud; this caused Grendel to be awaken and to come up

Beowulf’s final battle is with the dragon. In the document about the battle with the dragon, written by Christine Rauer. Rauer says, “Dragons represent the most common type of monstrous animal in Anglo-Saxon art and literature.” (Doc. H). The Dragon was mad about someone stealing his gem-studded cup, dragons are known for guarding their “hidden” treasures. The Dragon goes to Geatland and starts attacking the countryside, by setting buildings on fire at night. Beowulf goes to fight the dragon when he finds out that he is the one who set fire to the countryside. Beowulf gets into his last battle with the dragon. The reason that this is considered the last battle is because the Dragon kills Beowulf during the battle by stabbing him in the neck with a