Comparing the Character of Unferth in Beowulf and Grendel

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The Character of Unferth in Beowulf and Grendel

John Gardner introduces the reader of Grendel to an intimate side of

Unferth unseen in the epic poem Beowulf. In Grendel we behold what a pathetic,

sniveling wimp Unferth has become. In Beowulf all that we see is a jealous

bastard. Why did Gardner make the character of Unferth so different from the

original depiction? He didn't. The only change in Unferth from Beowulf to

Grendel is his realistic characterization in Grendel.

After the drunken Danes give Beowulf his warm welcome, Unferth unleashes

his anger in an attack on Beowulf. This petty proclamation which points out

Beowulf's not-so triumphant swimming contest with Brecca, shows the reader (or

listener) that Unferth is nothing more than a spineless bastard. In Grendel we

find that Unferth's bitterness is well founded. John Gardner shows Unferth as

the most pathetic man to ever call himself a hero. Unferth is degraded once in

the apple battle (he was beat by flying fruit for god's sake!!!) and then again

in the cave. In the cave Unferth begs Grendel to take his life but Grendel

gives him fate worse than death. Grendel leaves him alive and impotent.

Unferth knows that he cannot kill Grendel yet he cannot be a martyr to Herot

either.

All during the first year of Grendel's siege, the smell of apples fresh

in the air, Unferth tries to be the Grendel's martyr. Oh the heroic Unferth who

died trying to save the people of Herot. Unfortunately he never got to die, not

even dressed up as a goat, a pig or an elderly women. This continuing life of

impotence lead Unferth to an immense sense of bitterness. Poor Unferth to be at

a beast's mercy for twelve years only to have Beowulf disembowel Grendel in one

night.

On the beach as Beowulf is about detach mama's head from her body,

Unferth gives Beowulf his sword in a touching moment of peace between Beowulf

and Unferth. Well that is not quite right. This touching moment is Unferth's

last attempt at contributing to his beloved Herot. If he can't kill the beast

at least his sword can. Unferth is reaching for martyrdom.

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