Chapter 7, New Testament

Twelve years since they began, my attacks on Hrothgar’s mead hall continue. I make sure not to cause
to much destruction, lest I create the situation of “what will we call the Hrothgar-wrecker when
Hrothgar has been wrecked” (91). After all, what would become of me without the race that tells my
story? I would most likely cease to exist meaningfully. In my second year of attacks, I came close to
losing the meaning to my existence, as I came close to stopping my attacks. Hrothgar’s queen,
Wealhtheow, was the reason for this. I first laid eyes on her when she was used by her people as a peace
offering. Her bright red hair and silver robes bewitched me. She was beyond beautiful, and I could not
bring myself to attack Hrothgar with her at his side. Yet, I continued to observe the mead hall.
Wealhtheow brought an unexpected benevolence to the mead hall. With only a few words, she could
soothe the souls of troubled individuals. To Unferth, she said, regarding him murdering his brothers,
“that’s past” (104). Within moments, the turmoil weighing him down visibly lifted. It was unbearable;
I had to retreat back to my cave. She radiated an aura of forgiveness; I could feel myself forgiving the
humans for all that they had done, if it meant that Wealhtheow was among them. I squashed these
feelings down with the bitterest of rage, trying to force myself to continue my campaign of fear.
The following night, I launched a great offensive and I gunned straight for the queen. As I held her up
high, ready to kill, all around me, even Hrothgar, shook with fear. I saw the queen up close, and her
beautiful illusion was shattered; however, I still did not kill her. A part of me still admired her, so I let
her go and ran home. Nevertheless, I resolved to continue my war.



Works cited
Gardner, John. Grendel. Random House, Inc., 1989.

Alecmullet123, director. Country Boy I Love You. YouTube, YouTube, 27 Aug. 2017, www.youtube.com/watch?v=oz5cROtMKcM.

Comments

  1. UnknownOctober 11, 2018 at 10:06 AM

    I liked your description of Wealhtheow - it was very flattering, and I think your adjectives accurately portray how Grendel felt about the queen. I like that you described the queen's forgiveness of Unferth, because it is probably the most definitive moment in chapter 7 that fits New Testament theology. The specific usage of the quote, "that's past" was very fitting in representing New Testament Theology, so I like that quote. The quote in your first paragraph was a bit awkward as far as how it fit in, although I do like that that was the quote you used, because it portrays the Virgo concept of balance (Grendel balances Hrothgar, and vice versa). I also really like the phrase "campaign of fear" - I like the imagery it creates of the chaos in that scene.

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  2. AnonymousOctober 11, 2018 at 10:12 AM

    This is Laura Moritz. I liked your analysis of Grendel relationship (from afar) to Wealtheow. I think you really captured how enamored he was with her and how she caused more inner turmoil in him. I was slightly disappointed that the concept of New Testament Theology was not addressed and how it related to Hrothgar as he forgave and initially refused to accept treasure from Wealtheow's brother. I am also wondering what the significance of your picture is yet again, is it a symbol for Wealthoew or how Grendel feels about this new queen, or something else? I do still like your style of writing though and how you portray the feelings and thoughts of Grendel while not repeating the story word for word. Speaking of which I did also enjoy the quotes that you used, I believe they were very effective in your analysis.

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