Introduction: “Once upon a time, someone decided that we were the losers. But there are two sides to every story. And our camp was not warned! says Prince Charming to a room full of "bad guys" who are left to rot after their adversaries are given "a happily ever after" (Shrek III). They feel wronged, and rightly so. Why are they called “evil”? How is the hero of a story determined? Is he the victim of destiny against whom all odds are stacked? The one who fights for his glory and the honor of his ancestors, whatever the cost? Or, as Norse mythology would say, the one who fights the hardest, but still fails (Hamilton 443)? And the bad guy? After all, the hero must have someone to fight against, an adversary. But how to tell the difference? Background: In Beowulf, it is almost universally agreed that Beowulf is the hero destined to defeat the villain Grendel. But a close look at history reveals the rarely told story of Grendel, who, despite dishonor and pain, still fights to right the wrongs done to him and his ancestors. He follows a traditional Norse hero model, fighting to the end of his strength, but ultimately failing. Thesis Statement: When Beowulf is explored from Grendel's perspective, it becomes apparent that the division between hero and villain lies in the eyes of the beholder. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Topic sentence: Grendel's life before the story can be considered tragic and cruel by most standards. Commentary: From the beginning, he has been a pariah of the world, for no crime greater than his existence. Evidence and quote: “All his ancestry is hidden in a past / of demons and ghosts” (Heaney 1356-7). From the outset, he is considered inferior to men, since it is said that he has no father. In medieval Norse society, a person's identity rested so heavily on their father that to pretend someone does not have one is to steal an element of their individuality. He also belonged to “the clan of Cain, whom the creator had outlawed and condemned as outcasts” (Heaney 106-107). Cain, who had killed his brother Abel in the first days of creation, had doomed himself and his descendants to be "a fugitive and a wanderer" (Coogan Gen 4:12). Grendel has no control over his ancestors, but because of their crimes he suffers daily from the hatred not only of humanity, but also of the divine. God, “the creator,” turned his back on Grendel, making his life hell. Now he is reduced to “dwelling for a while/in misery among the banished monsters” (Heaney 104-5). Comment: For company, Grendel only has those who are lonelier and more depressed than him. He is not welcome among the more civilized crowds. It is from these humble and humiliating beginnings that a hero is formed. It is in Grendel's already modest position that insult is added to injury. Evidence and Quote: Grendel's peace is disturbed daily by "the din of the noisy banquet" that takes place each night from "Heorot", King Hrothgar's refreshment bar (Heaney 88). Even the author of the poem, who appears to be on the side of the Danes, suggests that the noise created by the celebration is excessive. What are they celebrating? This is precisely what cuts Grendel to the quick. They sing of “the beginnings of man,/how the Almighty had made the earth/a sparkling plain surrounded by waters” (Heaney 91-3). They return to that time before Cain's fall, to all that Grendel and his ancestors had lost – the beautifully created plains and waters, thefavor of God. For this beauty which man now enjoys alone, the Danes praise the God who banished Grendel to his life of misery. The Danes even have the nerve to sing it as their glorious beginning, without thinking about those to whom the last little piece of paradise was brought. Such bitter memories awakened in such an unpleasant way are enough to upset anyone. Topic sentence: This arrogance of the Danes in the face of Grendel's misfortune pushes Grendel to seek justice. Faced with such an insult, what is left for Grendel? In the world of medieval Scandinavia, it would be cowardly to allow such injustice to pass. Grendel chooses the only option that will not lead him to disgrace. He retaliates savagely, killing many people. Victory is almost his. He would be able to avenge not only his own fate, but also that of all the demons who came before him. Proof & Quote: He becomes the champion of demons. Grendel is able to destroy this miserable mead hall, something that “no shield elder would believe / there was a power or person on earth capable of destroying” (Heaney 777-9). It was an ornate human structure where men rejoiced in their pride and power. The Danes believed it to be indestructible. But it looks like Grendel is about to succeed. No one can harm him, for “no blade on earth…could ever damage his demonic adversary” (Heaney 801-2). After all these years, justice will be served, as evidenced by the seemingly mystical protection surrounding Grendel. Commentary: Grendel seems to have finally, and rightly, assured of victory. But in typical Norse fashion, Grendel arrives just short of victory. For where many men fail, one man with an iron fist is able to survive even Grendel. For “Beowulf received the glory of winning; Grendel was driven under the banks” (Heaney 818-9). In the end, Grendel gained little honor and lost much more. He dies in disgrace, driven from the hall, while his opponent is honored with more drinks and fine jewelry. Beowulf is rewarded with another feast, so large that “no group ever gathered in greater numbers” (Heaney 1010). The whole Earth celebrates Grendel's pain. The demon champion has fallen to an intruder. The winner could hardly be less worthy of such an honor. Topic Sentence: Although orphaned at an early age, Beowulf grew up in the king's care, treated “no worse… than one of his own boys” (Heaney 2432-3). Unlike Grendel, Beowulf had every advantage in life. He was treated well by his adoptive parents and was never rejected or isolated. Even when he was small, he held a place of honor among mortals. His family is also shameless. Although Beowulf may not know his true father, his father's glory lives on in him. He is often called "son of Ecgtheow", passing the honor from father to son. Before Beowulf can even walk, he enjoys the respect of his warrior ancestors, something Grendel couldn't even imagine. Beowulf has nothing to redeem and little to prove. He's simply a giant tyrant, who fights for the sake of fighting. It is to this unworthy man that Grendel falls. The fact that Beowulf is honored for generations to come is the icing on the cake of Grendel's tragic story. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a personalized article from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Concluding Paragraph: Despite the story's obvious bias towards Beowulf as hero (his name is the title of the story after all), upon closer inspection it becomes clear that in Norse tradition, the true tragic hero is Grendel. Grendel fights..