Grendel and anthropocentrism

In this section of Beowulf translated by Seamus Heaney, there are many references to religion. This fable dates back to when there was a shift in the way the majority accepted religion. There was an attempt to convert Anglo-Saxons to Christianity and this is important to keep in mind when we are considering that main antagonist in this section is referred to as a demonic “creature from hell” and the protagonist portrayed as a savior sent by the Almighty to save commoners from this demon Grendel, is portrayed as a villain, but this portrayal of him just demonstrates anthropocentrism. This belief that humans are the most significant entities in the universe is repeatedly illustrated through the descriptions used in reference to Grendel.

 Grendel is described as, “Malignant by nature” (137) which is contradictory to the widely held belief  that stems from orthodox Christianity that we are all born inherently good. Though this back story of Grendel emerging from Cain’s clan gives readers the impression that the evil Grendel stemmed from the root of all evil, we fail to regard Grendel as a creature, but rather as just the idea of evil embodied physically. The character itself is not considered a being with autonomous thought, feelings, or motivation. This is a parallel to how we as humans depict animals till this day.

 The excerpt from John Gardener’s Grendel gives some insight into how Grendel himself, might have had some of these characteristics we often remove from antagonists in stories. Grendel is not seen as a character, but rather just as a source of evil and conflict in the story. He is described as an outcast, but only thought of as a monster. Similar to how no one in this fable questions God, not one person thinks to question this force of evil. Violence is just met with violence, rather than understanding and negotiation.

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