Grendel

Grendel is a figure of the early Anglo-Saxon heroic epic. In the alliterative epic " Beowulf ", he is the legendary opponent of the protagonist.

Etymology of the name

The origin of the name " Grendel " has not yet been clarified. Some claim that the name " Grendel " refers to Grindan, grindel, or grennian, which could be roughly translated as " teeth gnashing ". Others point to the Anglo-Saxon word grynde ( " Abyss" ). This could fit well as in the heroic epic Beowulf Grendel's mother is a hideous " Meerweib ".

Grendel's role in Beowulf

Grendel is described as a monster, Jöte, Thurse or troll who, equipped with superhuman strength, the mead hall Heorot ( Hirschburg ) of the Danish king Hrothgar haunts and devastated. Heorot is close to a fen, where Grendel lives, and is claimed by the establishment of the mead hall by the Danes of the monster as property. Many Danes found by Grendel 's death.

The friend of Hrothgar hero Beowulf from the unspecified country of the " Geats " (perhaps Gauts or Goths ) raises the fight with Grendel and wounded him so severely that Grendel loses his right arm. At this injury he dies. His mother, the Meerweib, then, to avenge the death of her son, tried, and is also killed by Beowulf.

Christian adaptation

Christian interpretation of the world, which decisively shapes the story of Beowulf and can not be regarded as a subsequent overmolding, lets ask the author Grendel in the lineage of Cain. Thus, the demonic devilish aspect of nature Grendel should be made clear.

• Middle Ages ( literature)
• Literature ( Old English)
• Anglo-Saxon mythology
• Mythological beings
• Beowulf