A literary symbol is used to represent abstract ideas or concepts. The use of symbolism helps to add more meaning, and develops different trait of each character, and the main idea of the story. In Beowulf, Grendel, Herot, Beowulf, and Grendel’s mother are some of the most important symbols in Beowulf. Grendel, and Grendel’s mother symbolize evil, while Beowulf could be view as good or as a savior to the people, and Herot represent the setting were the battle of good and evil take place.
In Beowulf, Grendel symbolize evil and Beowulf symbolize good. “He was spawned in that slime conceived by a pair of those monsters born of Cain, murderous creature banished by God, punished forever for the crime of Abel’s death (pg.44,
Ln19-23).” Grendel is described as a descended from the biblical figure Cain who slain his own brother. He represents an evil figure who had been banish forever by God or from the rest of society. He and his mother are illustrated as outsiders, they existed beyond the boundaries out the rest of the people. In the other hand, Beowulf is characterize as a savior figure. “That I alone, and with the help of my men- may purge all evil from this hall. I have heard, too, that the, monster’s scorn of men is so great that he need no weapons and fear none. (pg.48, Ln 165-169)” Beowulf is observe as a hero, his mission is to banish evil from Herot or Earth as is described, and bring peace to the people who spend time in Herot.
After the battle between Grendel and Beowulf, Grendel’s mother is announced to the poem to demonstrate the evil that still remains after the death of Grendel.” Although one monster has, died, another still lives, from her lair in a cold and murky lake, where she has been brooding aver her loss, Grendel’s mother emerges bent on revenge.( Pg.55, Ln 1)” Grendel’s mother is introduced after the death of Grendel to represent the evil still living and that will keep terrorizing Herot. These two events force Beowulf to kill the two beasts in order to restore peace. Herot or the mead hall symbolizes the Earth, which also gives the setting of the battle between good and evil. “Hrothgar’s wise men had fashioned Herot to stand forever is only fire, they had planned could shatter what such skill had put, together, and iron on wood.(pg.52, Ln 301-305)” The mead hall symbolizes the Earth, which is described as something beautiful, and constructed to perfection. Herot, as well the Earth as the Bible describes that the Earth only can by destroying by fire. In Beowulf Herot also provide the first sitting where the batter of good and evil (Beowulf, and Grendel) take place.
In conclusion, symbolism is important because establish the identity of the different characters. Also provide meaning to the writing beyond what is describe. To create a sense of timeline in one person life and how everyone is face with different struggles and overcoming obstacles.