Introduction: “Once upon a time someone decided that we were the underdogs. But there are two sides to every story. And our side was not informed!” says Prince Charming to a room full of "bad guys" who are left to rot after their adversaries are given "happily ever after" (Shrek the Third). They feel offended, and rightly so. Why are they labeled as the “bad guys”? How is the hero of a story determined? Is he the victim of fate, against which all odds are stacked? The one who fights for his own 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, there must be someone against whom the hero must fight, an opponent. But how can you tell the difference? Background: In Beowulf, it is almost universally accepted that Beowulf is the hero destined to defeat the villain, Grendel. But a closer 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 the traditional model of the Nordic hero, fighting to the last of his strength, but in the end he does not fail. Thesis Statement: When Beowulf is explored from Grendel's point of view, it becomes apparent that the division between hero and villain is in the eye of the beholder. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Topic Sentence: Grendel's life before the story can be seen as tragic and cruel by most standards. Comment: From the beginning he has been an outcast from the world, for no crime greater than his existence. Evidence and quotes: “All his ancestors are hidden in a past / Of demons and ghosts” (Heaney 1356-7). He is immediately considered inferior to men, since he is said to have no father. In medieval Norse society, a person's identity was based so heavily on their father, that to say that someone doesn't have one is to steal an element of their individuality. He too belonged to “Cain's clan, whom the creator had outlawed/And condemned as outcasts” (Heaney 106-107). Cain, who had killed his brother Abel in the early days of creation, had condemned himself and his descendants to be “a fugitive and a wanderer” (Coogan Gen 4:12). Grendel has no control over his ancestors, yet because of their crimes he suffers daily hatred not only from humanity, but also from 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 has only those who are more alone and dejected than him. He is not welcome among more civilized crowds. It is from these humble and humiliating beginnings that a hero is formed. It is in Grendel's already humble position that added insult to injury. Evidence and Quotations: Grendel's peace is interrupted daily by the “din of the noisy feast” that occurs every night from “Heorot,” King Hrothgar's drinking hall (Heaney 88). Even the author of the poem, who seems to side with the Danes, suggests that the noise created by the celebration is excessive. What are they celebrating? The very thing that cuts Grendel to the quick. They sing “of the origin of man,/ How the Almighty had made the earth/ A glittering plain surrounded by waters” (Heaney 91-3). They recall that time before Cain fell, all that Grendel and his ancestors had lost: the beautifully created plains and waters, the favor of God. For this beauty that man now enjoys alone, the Danes praise the Godwho relegated Grendel to his life of misery. The Danes even have the nerve to sing it as their glorious beginning, without thinking of those to whom the last bit of paradise was brought. Such bitter memories awakened in such an unpleasant way are enough to upset anyone. Topic Sentence: This arrogance on the part of the Danes in the face of Grendel's misfortune drives Grendel to seek justice. Faced with such an insult, what is left for Grendel to do? In the world of medieval Scandinavia, it would be cowardly to let such injustice go unnoticed. Grendel chooses the only option that will not lead to misfortune. He reacts savagely, killing many. The victory is almost his. He would be able to avenge not only his own plight, but that of every demon that came before him. Evidence and quotes: Become the champion of demons. Grendel is able to destroy that wretched mead hall, something that “no elder of the Shielding would believe / There was any power or person on earth capable of destroying” (Heaney 777-9). It was an ornate, man-made structure, where men rejoiced in their pride and power. The Danes had deemed it indestructible. But it looks like Grendel is on the verge of succeeding. No one can harm him, since “no blade on earth…could ever harm his demon adversary” (Heaney 801-2). After all these years, justice will be served, as seen by the seemingly mystical protection surrounding Grendel. Comment: Grendel seems to have victory finally, and rightly, assured. But in true Nordic style, Grendel comes just short of victory. For where many men fail, a man with an iron grip can survive even Grendel. For “Beowulf was granted/ the glory of conquering; Grendel was driven beneath the marshy banks” (Heaney 818-9). In the end, Grendel gained little honor and lost much more. He dies in disgrace, kicked out of the room, while his opponent is honored with more drinks and fine jewels. Beowulf is rewarded with another feast, so large that "no group ever assembled in greater numbers" (Heaney 1010). All the Earth celebrates Grendel's sorrow. The demon champion has fallen into the hands of an intriguer. The winner could hardly be less deserving of that honor. Theme Sentence: Although orphaned at a young age, Beowulf grew up in the king's care, treated "no worse... than one of his own sons" (Heaney 2432-3). Unlike Grendel, Beowulf had every advantage in life. He was treated well by his adoptive parents and was never shunned or isolated. Even as a child he had a place of honor among mortals. His family is also shameless. Even though Beowulf may not know his true father, his father's glory still lives in him. He is often called “son of Ecgtheow,” passing on the honor of the father to the son. Before Beowulf can even walk, he receives respect from his lineage of warriors, something Grendel couldn't even imagine. Beowulf has nothing to redeem and little to prove. He's simply a giant bully, fighting for the sake of fighting. It is to this unworthy man that Grendel falls. The fact that Beowulf will be honored for generations to come is the icing on the cake of Grendel's tragic story. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Concluding Paragraph: Despite the story's clear bias towards Beowulf as a hero (after all his name is the title of the story), upon closer examination it becomes clear that in the Norse tradition, the true tragic hero is Grendel. Grendel fights to redeem his origins and his past, challenging the humans who have shunned him for years..