Kamil Kucharski

10/16/15
Grendels Philosophies
The story of Grendel is a retelling of the epic poem Beowulf through the eyes of Grendel.
Unlike Beowulf, where many Anglo-Saxon values of heroism are portrayed, there is little to no
virtuous presence of them in the Grendel text. Throughout the novel, Grendel instead
demonstrates a belief in three prominent philosophies: existentialism, solipsism and nihilism.
After meeting with the Shaper and the dragon, he shows a seemingly clear internal conflict,
which causes switches between the philosophies. These switches have clouded much of his
judgement, layering him in a mix of emotions and misguidance. This results in Grendel to
conduct a plethora of monstrous acts, essentially becoming a titan of evil.
Chapter two represents Grendels shift from existentialism to solipsism. When Grendel
was young, he was a firm existentialist, seeking for a purpose in life and something to believe in.
He resided in a dark underworld occupied by strange creatures, none of whom signified his
existence, except for his mother. He came to the conclusion that he and his mother are a single
entity, for all he knew of ignored him, acknowledging a rather small step towards solipsism.
Grendel had one day managed to escape the cave he lived in and out into the human world and
managed to get himself stuck in a tree, in which he calls cries for his mothers help. She does not
come, prompting him to a state of loneliness. This solipsistic view is supported with the
encounter of the bull, in which it would attempt to attack Grendel based purely on blind instinct,
even when it is clear it to Grendel that it will not be able to hit him. This mere and illogical
brutality expresses Grendels sentiment of solipsism, I understood that the world was nothing
I understood that, finally and absolutely, I alone exist I create the universe blink by blink.
(Gardner 22) The author transitions quickly from telling a story based on an innocent young
Grendel to an egotistical one, introducing and creating a sense of self-centering selfishness and
ignorance in him.
The Shaper represents humanity's righteousness and optimism. Ironically, the Shapers
tales have intrigued even the likes of Grendel. He attempts to disregard the Shapers ideas as
nonsense due to his solipsistic philosophy, although he secretly wishes for them to be true.
Contradictorily, the dragon had introduced a set of pessimistic ideas. The dragon represents
Grendels choice to believe the dragons nihilistic ways, to ignore the Shapers teachings and
abandon his solipsism. I had become something, as if born again. I had hung between
possibilities before, between the cold truths I knew and the heart-sucking conjuring tricks of the
Shaper; now that was passed: I was Grendel, Ruiner of Meadhalls, Wrecker of Kings! But also,
as never before, I was alone. (Gardner 73) The authors introduction of the dragon represents
shifts altogether from both existentialism and solipsism. The dragon had educated Grendel on the
facts that when he dies, things will still happen, completely contradicting his solipsistic mindset.
The author makes an implication that Grendel most likely was not interested in accepting the
dragons beliefs, yet had done so out of angst. He was never truly satisfied, and he definitely felt

no gratitude towards the dragon, but Grendel finally possessed a purpose of some sort; to raid
and plunder Heorot, as instructed by the dragon, yet it is one he wished it did not have to be. The
author suggests that ever since his arrival on the human plains, he had no intention of harming
the humans. The human's own perception of Grendel had caused their own demise, in addition
to his nonexistent assimilation into their society after his peaceful attempts.
Grendel never had someone to speak to for guidance, neither from society or his mother,
thus shaping him into a destructive force of nature. Since his arrival on the surface, his decisions
have all been made from prior experience, such as the encounter with bull and humans, save for
some influence from the Shaper and the dragon, both of whom countered one another's entire
philosophies. He was incapable to make his own meaning, and according to the dragon, killing
more than sufficed to give Grendel meaning in the world, and he ultimately accepted it. The shift
to solipsism gave his baseless existentialist values meaning, while the shift towards nihilism gave
Grendel a somewhat definitive philosophy he has been seeking.