Beowulf Journal 6

Grendel, a novel by John Gardner, is a parody of the epic poem Beowulf. In the epic Beowulf, there is heavy emphasis on Anglo-Saxon society and culture; however, in Grendel, this culture is mocked and ridiculed. One major point of ridicule is the theory and need of a hero. Within Beowulf, heroism is defined in the hero Beowulf, but Grendel mocks and ridicules those who embody traits of heroism. Most notably, Unferth is defined as an Anglo-Saxon hero, but the destructive monster Grendel humiliates Unferth. Grendel first humiliates the hero Unferth by throwing apples at him rather than starting a physical battle, but as Unferth is defeated, he tracks Grendel’s location. After a conversation with Grendel in his lair in which Unferth shows his heroic ways, Grendel spares his life. Grendel, with every raid on the mead hall, spares Unferth’s life, mocking both Unferth and heroism. As Grendel progresses into a philosophical extent, the shots are again fired to Anglo-Saxon religion and culture. Beginning with the Dragon who influences Grendel into a nihilist state of mind, the final aim is taken by Red Horse. Red Horse influences the seemingly pure-hearted Hrothulf to embark on a revolution, claiming it is heroic in a sense. This shows that even a pure human like Hrothulf can turn into a cruel creature like Grendel.