Some scholars label Grendel’s mother as a demonic monster (e.g., Puhvel 2006, 11-14). The Beowulf- characters certainly do not seem to appreciate Grendel’s mother. In contrast, Beowulf is...Show moreSome scholars label Grendel’s mother as a demonic monster (e.g., Puhvel 2006, 11-14). The Beowulf- characters certainly do not seem to appreciate Grendel’s mother. In contrast, Beowulf is celebrated. This is odd, because his actions and Grendel’s mother’s actions are similar. The literary term abjection can be used to explain this difference in appreciation. The abject is what the culture throws away, its garbage, or its waste products (see Kristeva 1982; Klages 2012, 11). Paul Acker (2006) uses this theory to argue that Grendel’s mother is the abject. But Grendel’s mother may not be inherently monstrous. Current research has shown more sympathy for Grendel’s mother and her role in Beowulf by pointing out that her perceived monstrosity is to blame on modern translators, lexicographers and literary critics (see Alfano 1992; Hennequin 2008). In fact, the Beowulf-poet describes Grendel’s mother in terms similar to Beowulf. Thus far, scholars have often overlooked these similarities and what we can be made of them. This thesis argues that the similarities between Grendel’s mother and Beowulf underscore the poet’s criticism of heroic structures. Rather than Grendel’s mother as the abject, it is the heroic structures that are the abject. By pointing out the similarities and what they imply, this thesis shows that the term ‘monster’ assigned to Grendel’s mother can easily be applied to Beowulf too, because their behavior is similar.Show less
In this thesis, I examine the extent of the influence of John Gardner’s novel Grendel on the representation of Grendel in the film adaptations Beowulf & Grendel (2005) and Beowulf (2007). I use...Show moreIn this thesis, I examine the extent of the influence of John Gardner’s novel Grendel on the representation of Grendel in the film adaptations Beowulf & Grendel (2005) and Beowulf (2007). I use a comparative approach to specifically contrast Grendel’s character in the original poem with the ones in Gardner’s novel and the films. My aim is to demonstrate how the films provide us with a compromise between the ambiguously demonic Grendel in the Old English poem and the existential figure from the novel. I hope to offer a new insight into how the Beowulf story and characters are modernised in cinematic popular culture.Show less
It is believed that Tolkien's knowledge of Anglo-Saxon culture did not only inspire him to write The Lord of the Rings, but that he also reproduced the Anglo-Saxons and their warrior culture in his...Show moreIt is believed that Tolkien's knowledge of Anglo-Saxon culture did not only inspire him to write The Lord of the Rings, but that he also reproduced the Anglo-Saxons and their warrior culture in his works. However, the heroic ethos that the characters live up to in The Lord of the Rings, and in particular oath-taking, diverges intentionally from the heroic ethos and oaths of loyalty in Anglo-Saxon warrior culture. This thesis explores Tolkien’s views on and presentation of oath-making and –breaking in his trilogy of The Lord of the Rings. Tolkien’s works and his representation of oaths are compared to sworn speech in the Old English poems Beowulf and The Battle of Maldon. This thesis shows that Tolkien created a heroic code that is different from the traditional Anglo-Saxon heroic ethos, one in which free will plays an important part. Tolkien made a conscious attempt to reshape the heroic code and attached other values to the oath of loyalty in The Lord of the Rings.Show less
