Ambiguity In Beowulf

In Beowulf, the concept of a monster is universal and is anything that causes the threat of death and uncertainty. Specifically in the Anglo-Saxon culture of Beowulf, anything that can potentially take your life or provokes the primal compulsion to survive is the definition of a monster. Also, bravery can be exhibited to show that these monsters can be dealt with and how threatening the monstrosities of Beowulf are. Out of the three monsters Beowulf fights, the dragon threatens Beowulf the most. The aged Beowulf and his troop are posed with great danger. Their lives are put on the line because they can be easily and swiftly taken by the beast. The troop’s instincts to survive are triggered, and “no help or backing was to be had then” (175; 2596-2598); reinforcing this definition of a monster. Wiglaf goes against his natural tendencies and stands up for his lord; showing bravery to protect his people with Beowulf.
Grendel’s attacks on Heorot prove the fear the people have of him. A big motive of primitive thinking is to be scared of ravaging and dangerous animals that can possibly take your life. With this in mind, Grendel and his mother are said to “dwell apart among wolves on the hills” (95; 1357-1359). Grendel’s figure causes uncertainty among the people of Heorot because they are unsure if he is inhuman or not. Beowulf has to show that Grendel can be conquered after causing so much chaos in their home