Grendel By John Gardner Essay -- essays research papers

Grendel lives in a dark and gruesome underground cave with his mother and dozens of cold, unmoving creatures. He is real curious and, in his early years, finds a way to escape this terrible place and enter the world. Every night he wanders outside his cave, exploring the land some him. One night, he gets trapped in a tree. A band of human beings led by King Hrothgar approaches and, after some hesitation, attacks Grendel. They close in for the kill, but Grendels mother arrives just in time to save him.Years after his encounter with Grendel, Hrothgars power and influence grow until he rules an imwork forcese territory. He builds a glorious meadhall, the greatest in the land, and names it Herot. He builds roads to connect his kingdom and hires an immensely gifted Harper to play at special(a) occasions. Grendel is fascinated by the Harpers music and tries to join the humans, but he is attacked by the frightened guards and must flee. Feeling lonely and rejected, he visits an ancient d ragon that lives at heart the kingdom. The dragon speaks for some time, and his wicked, tired cynicism infects Grendel. He puts a charm on the young monster, making him impervious to human blades. After this, Grendel becomes a creature of fine destruction. At the onset of each subsequent spring, Grendel carries out several raids on Hrothgars meadhall. He is very careful about this, leaving just enough men behind to rebuild and grow for the next spring.Several years after he builds his meadhall, Hrothgar ...