Tuesday, November 10, 2015

What do Grendel and the dragon symbolize in Beowulf?

Sorry Hellowe, but zack is actually closer to the truth in this one. THis story is oral tradition from germanic, as well as anglo saxon tribes that were all pagan. This story has many pagan references, and just the fact that there is a troll is proof that it is not a christian story, for christians do not believe in such thins. Yet, I digress. Grendel in this story can symbolize a few things, but if we are talking symbolism directly. It is likely GRENDEL SYMBOLIZES PLAGUE OR FAMINE. To break down the facts.


cant be destroyed by sword


eats away at the flesh


come at any moment without warning and kills.


Think of the time at which this takes place. The three creatures beowulf fights are three enemies a king must face as king.


Grendel is plague and famine, and can only be overcome by courage, Grendels mother could symbolize fraticide or violent vengence, and the dragon symbolizes hoarding, or specifically a king that does not share his wealth with his people


THIS IS NOT A CHRISTIAN STORY ORIGINALLY, those were added to help cnvert the pagans.

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