Journal Six.

Topic: How is Grendel a parody of Beowulf? A parody is a mocking imitation of a work of literature?

“Grendel” is a parody of “Beowulf” because it gives the background information of the Grendel character in “Beowulf”, who we do not learn much about. The main characters in both “Grendel” and “Beowulf” are similar. Grendel is still the monster destroying Hrothgar’s mead-hall, just as in “Beowulf”. Hrothgrar is still the king of his mead-hall, except the locations are different. In “Grendel”, the location of Hrothgar’s mead-hall is Hart, and in “Beowulf”, the location of the mead-hall is Herot. Also, Grendel’s mother, Unferth, and a character resembling Beowulf are present.

The scene that connects “Grendel’s” Grendel and “Beowulf’s” Grendel is the origin of the monster. In Chapter 4 of “Grendel,” it is stated by the Shaper that Grendel’s origin was related to the curse put on Cain, by God, for killing his brother Abel. This same scenario is stated in the beginning of the poem “Beowulf”. Another fact that “Grendel” shared with “Beowulf” is the twelve year war between Hrothgar and Grendel. “Grendel” shares the same characteristics with the “Beowulf”. In addition, it gives the reader an inside look at the character Grendel, which further allows us to relate and possibly understand the Grendel we see in “Beowulf”.