Cain and Grendel

In Beowulf, we first learn that both Grendel and his mother are descendants of Cain. The novel, Grendel, then reveals that Grendel and Cain are in fact very similar characters and share similar attributes and mannerisms. The first, most blatant similarity is the disruption they cause to the idea of comitatus that was so central to Anglo-Saxon culture. Kinship, interlacing, and brotherhood were the center, and possibly most important aspects of Anglo-Saxon culture. Warriors went as far as going to war to avenge the (sometimes accidental) death of a kin. To Anglo-Saxons, kinship and brotherhood were not limited to actual blood relations, but instead extended to other members of their “tribe” or group. When Cain committed the sin of murdering his brother Abel, he performed the act that Anglo-Saxons would consider as the most hateful and outright evil crime conceivable. While Grendel does not murder his own kin in the novel, he disrupts the comitatus by forcing his way into the mead hall (a place of communion) and killing thanes.  There is also a strong focus on the blood of victims. In the bible, the earth is described as cursed to drink Abel’s blood. Eve even dreams that Cain is drinking Abel’s blood. In Grendel, the murders of thanes place a strong importance on blood. Grendel is found goring and drinking their blood. He even describes having dry blood in his fur. In literature, blood is strongly representative of life. It symbolizes the “essence” of life, and can either be used to represent the giving or life (as in birth), or the taking of life (such as in Grendel). It is therefore not surprising that such an emphasis is placed on blood, as both characters are renowned for killing and murdering. 

            Cain and Grendel are also similar in the fact that they are seemingly unable to die (at first, at least).  God marked Cain and condemned him to live on, threatening any man that the killing of Cain would in turn be punished seven times over. Until the arrival of Beowulf, no one was able to kill Grendel. No sword could hurt him and he walked the halls killing as he pleased without suffering consequences other than a stomachache.

The most important similarity, however, is that both Cain and Grendel are outcasts in their respective societies. After receiving the mark, Cain was forced into exile, as he could no longer farm the land that was not cursed by Abel’s spilled blood. His mark, a sign he displeased God, caused other men to stray away from him causing his isolation. Grendel is also a clear outcast in his society. He observes mankind from the forest. His figure is so horrid in appearance that even forest creatures run cower. With men running or attacking him on sight, forest animals cowering in fear, and his mother staring blankly not uttering a word, Grendel is as isolated as Cain was after his banishment. Grendel is therefore not simply a descendant of Cain, but in fact a more modern reincarnation of him.