Introduction
My favourite character in the story is Grendel's mother, who is an antagonist. I like her since she manifests courage throughout the story to attack Heorot after witnessing her son's death. She was encouraged to revenge, although she understood that she was not as strong as Beowulf. So, Grendel's mother is dedicated to fighting against the loved one despite how the challenging battle appears. Grendel's mother manifested maternal affection although her son had killed many people, a scenario which made Beowulf fight him (Neidorf 12). Therefore, the essay focuses on Grendel's mother, a hero, to protect her family, irrespective of how the conflict is brutal.
Grendel's mother is not powerful or giant, the same as her son, although she is motivated or encouraged by revenge. Her child, who is mortally wounded, returned to the cave where two arms snatched from shoulder socket and beneath Hrothgar's mead hall roof, the mother decides to seek revenge. So, the same as son, Grendel mother is a mysterious creature who plays "avenger" roles in the story to revenge against her son died in the hands of Beowulf (George-Berlet 28). Regarding Grendel's mother, modern values or themes are evident, such as bravery, where Grendel's mother struggles to revenge against her son, Grendel, who is killed by Beowulf. In contemporary society, people struggle much to protect their family members against mistreatment and harassment. For instance, a mother would show maternal affection by caring for their children, irrespective of their acts or behaviours. Revenge is another theme in the story where Grendel's mother wants revenge against his son's killings. Finally, death is a theme manifested in the story. For example, heroes also die despite succeeding in battles and fights like Beowulf, who defeats Grendel although he was brave and courageous, where he killed many people.
Grendels Mother as Representation of Society, Culture, Place and History
Therefore, Grendel's mother is the representation of society, culture, place and history. In the story, the rulers that are Beowulf and King Hrothgar, were irresponsible in their duties because they could not maintain their people just and safe. For instance, Grendel's mother decides to take revenge against her son, who is murdered by Beowulf. Grendel's mother also represents the Nothern European community following blood feuds, representing the women's suffering during the blood feud system.
Besides, Grendel's mother represents the feminine who refuses to take meek matron and peace-weaver roles and advocate for violence as the masculine domain. She portrays how women are smarter, more robust and capable of conquering threatening masculine society. So, Grendel's mother outstands other women because she controlled and governed her "lord" for several years, making her independent without men's control or governance. In the story, women were not allowed to undertake their roles because they were considered inferior, incapable of following their interests since they relied on male guardianship. So, regarding Grendel's mother, she appears unable to care for herself while battling with heroic Beowulf. She is brave and strong because she confronts Beowulf, although he possesses body armour for protection.
Conclusion
Based on Grendel's mother, character, society and culture are characterized by good and evil. In the story, Epics portrays evil and good themes to encourage and motivate the future population to become virtuous. The good is shown through Beowulf and Hrothgar characters, antagonists Grendel and his mother manifest evil. So, good things are linked with ideas of honesty, heroic feats, loyalty and glory. Thus, Grendel's mother's practices of killing Danes are termed as evil in society.
