The Shaper vs. the Dragon

Out of all of Grendel's relationships, only two stand out: the Shaper and the Dragon. Only those two had a profound effect on him, and made him question himself and his motives. However, the two are very different. The Dragon manipulates Grendel with rational arguments, whose evidence sways him, causing him to double think his actions, fear Beowulf, and generally lead to his death. On the other hand, the Shaper appeals to a side of Grendel that he doesn't know, his more emotional side. His music destroys Grendel's world, as it causes him to see everything -- life, death and love -- in a whole new perspective.
What do you think the impact is of the Dragon's influence on Grendel versus the Shaper's influence on him? What do you think it represents that the Shaper is killed, and the Dragon is timeless?