In the novel Grendel, descendent of Cain represents a living, …show more content…
Throughout the story Beowulf is portrayed as a hero of Hrothgar’s community for saving them against Grendel. In the first part of the poem, you do not see any drastic changes in the persona of Beowulf. He is described more through his physical assets and strengths but not so much for his wisdom. In the first fight you can see how Beowulf did not need any weapons other than his brute force. Initially we see that Beowulf goes to fight Grendel because he had already defeated giants and monsters before, so he figured he should go and fight Grendel for nothing more than the fame for doing so. In his youth Beowulf had already proven his higher level of combat and skills. “The truth is this: when the going was heavy in those high waves, I was the strongest swimmer of all” (534-536). In his swimming match against Breca, there is a clear sense of just how confident Beowulf is. With the victory against Grendel, Beowulf establishes the full title of being a hero. He even claims that title with a little “souvenir” as you could say, “Clear proof of this could be seen in the hand of the hero displayed high up near the roof: the whole of Grendel’s shoulder and arm, his awesome grasp” (832-835). After the fight, “Inside Herot there was nothing but friendship” (116-117) and There was even feast as well as a giving of gifts to thank Beowulf for his