Beowulf essay epic heroes embody and fight for the values of the time. grendel represents something or someone who is trying to destroy what the anglo-saxon’s valued. think about the time period. who or what threatens to destroy our values? compare grendel’s symbolic threat of destruction to that of our own

Considering our times, Grendel could be compared to fascism because it also threatens to destroy our values, such as democracy and freedom of speech. Taking the comparison one step further, Grendel's skin is invulnerable to swords, spears and arrows, as a fascist person might be "invulnerable" to egalitarian thoughts.

beowulf sets out on his journey for daneland. -- 1

hrothgar welcomes beowulf. -- 2

beowulf waits for grendel to attack heorot. -- 3

beowulf succeeds in defeating grendel by tearing off his arm. -- 4

beowulf fights with grendel’s mother. -- 5

beowulf sets out for his fight with the dragon. -- 6

beowulf sets out for his geatish homeland. -- 7