Grendel by John Gardner - Book Review by Joshua C.

Grendel by John Gardner


One of the most famous monsters of the Beowulf tales is a monster called Grendel, a beast who terrorized the Kingdom of Hrothgar.
John Gardner, in an often humorous way, shows the story from Grendel's point of view. The Author gives in insightful view to the characteristics of the monster, gives an explanation to the monster's actions and thoughts, and also gives a view of the way things were during the dark times of that setting. The entire story is well thought out and is a good book for those who have read the Beowulf stories.

Grendel is somewhat an inelegant monster. However, he feels burdened by the fact that he is a monster, being that his mother is the only one that excepts him; despite the fact she can never communicate with him. Feeling trapped in the cave he calls home, he goes out and tries to make sense of the realities of the real world and his existence.

During an event in which he is almost killed by an ox, he discovers humans. Grendel observes the humans from a distance, being that he didn't have much else to do. Through a person called a Shaper, Grendel learns that the humans see him as a creature of evil while the humans see themselves as the "good side". This makes Grendel hate the humans, which soon he starts attacking the them. At one point Grendel meets a Dragon, who tries to discuss with Grendel about the "truths" and such about who Grendel is. The Dragon encourages Grendel and puts a enchantment on him that makes is to where he can't be slain by human weapons. Grendel continues to attack the humans in a psychotic manner. At one point, a couple of mysterious strangers appear at the kingdom that Grendel had been attacking for so long. When Grendel attacks that night, he finds out he is outmatched despite the enchantment the Dragon and loses. Slowly dying, Grendel runs off. Watched by the animals Grendel looked down apon, Grendel ends his life at a plunging death.


Book Review by Joshua C.