The Chosen Passage with the Key Word "Ellengæst"

The passage begins with Grendel’s hostility to people in Heorot, a hall of light where a poet tells the story of Creation. The passage shows a contrast between Grendel and the human hall with its song of the divine creation of light and life. It also implies the comparison between him and Beowulf. The word ellengæst appears in the passage once, on line 86. Even though the editor in Norton comments that he is humanized, which means he shares certain features with humans,[1] ellengæst greatly distinguishes Grendel from humankind due to his special nature and physical condition.

The other depictions in this passage echo ellengæst in detail. The word earfoðlice follows it and describes that he “grievously and bitterly endured”,[2] the characteristic and reaction to people’s celebration in Heorot. Further, his appearance and the place he dwells in remain ambiguous and thus mystical. He hides in the “dark”[3] close to the humans. He observes people like a hunter. His mystery strengthens the sense of horror, and what is known about him suggests his life-threatening nature to humans, especially certain religious expressions such as “out of hell”[4] began to work his evil”[5]. He was “harrowed” by people because they praised God and enjoy their feast every day in Heorot[6] – a contrast between the dark and the light.

Grendel’s unhappiness may also be caused by the exile from the human community. The last few sentences of the passage reflect his origin and emphasize his complexity. He is a descendant of Cain, who killed his brother out of jealousy and then was cursed by God, being cast out from His people.[7] Cain’s offspring are said to mate with devils.[8] Therefore, they are all unclean.[9] This explains why Grendel is ellengæst, being a demonic outsider with human-like emotions.