The Source of Happiness

In Grendel, different groups of people try to find happiness through various unique means, usually resulting in an increase of dissatisfaction. The king Hrothgar tries to find happiness the way his countless ancestors tried to; by building an army and bringing pride to his people. In the beginning of the novel, Hrothgar's success as a pioneering king is obvious, but by the time he claims Woltheow, he fears that he is prone to the surging power of his wife's brother, and he enters a world in which no one can be trusted. Likewise, the Shaper tries to find happiness by playing his harp for the members of the mead hall, specifically the red-headed woman, but ultimately dies a sorrowful death where he no longer has the strength to continue living. The priests all try to find happiness through their religious idols, but the remainder of the villagers disregard the their practices and detest them for preserving what they believe is a charade. Grendel himself is constantly seeking happiness, as he tries to find balance between himself, the humans, and other animals, but can't seem to ever be at ease with his environment. It is not until Grendel dies that he appears to find happiness, as he reflects introspectively about his life. Nearing death, Grendel thinks to himself, "I discover I no longer feel pain. Animals gather around me, enemies to old, to watch me die. I give them what I hope appeared as a sheepish smile...they watch with mindless, indifferent eyes, as calm and black as the midnight chasm below me. Is it Joy I feel?" (173). On the brink of death, Grendel finally finds the happiness in himself that he had been missing up until that point. He accepts that, while the animals around him may have shared enmity towards him, he still cared about their existence enough to show them gratitude. Grendel's happiness may not be a result of death, but the realization that he does not matter, but that is fine, because existence alone is enough to be content. Existing for another false purpose or cause will only distance oneself away from the unachievable happiness. Taking Grendel's experience into account, can happiness in the novel be obtained from others, or can it only emerge from the acceptance of one's own reality, and consequently, insignificance?