Post by patricktbutenhoff on Jul 13, 2013 6:15:21 GMT
One of the main things that separates Grendel from the humans is their views on myths, the Shaper's songs, and religion. Grendel clearly believes, partially inspired by the dragon, that these stories are absolute rubbish despite their captivating properties. Grendel, time and time again, is inspired by the Shaper's songs. He wants to come down to the meadhall and plead for peace because he is so moved by the Shaper's yarns. Yet something stronger, the voice of the dragon, always holds him back. Grendel keeps trying to reassure himself that the songs aren't real, that they are mere illusions crafted by the Shaper. "'He reshapes the world,' I whispered, belligerent. 'So his name implies. He stares strange-eyed at the mindless world and turns dry sticks to gold'" (49). Grendel's mindset is essentially thus: those stories obviously aren't--ooh, shiny! He hates himself and the humans for having this desire for the stories. Religion is the same way. Grendel remarks cynically that even the people don't believe in the gods they worship: "No one in the kingdom is convinced that the gods have life in them. The weak observe the rituals...but no one harbors unreasonable expectations" (128). When the eldest priest speaks of his "vision," the other priests--priests, mind you--think he is crazy. When the younger priest joins him in rejoicing, the others can only shake their heads at his naivete.
Do you agree with Grendel's harsh analysis of myth and religion? Do you think that they still have a place in modern society? Why do you think that the villagers, even though none of them seem convinced by their religion, continue to practice it? And do you think Grendel's hatred of the Scyldings and himself for liking the Scylding myth and religion is justified?
Do you agree with Grendel's harsh analysis of myth and religion? Do you think that they still have a place in modern society? Why do you think that the villagers, even though none of them seem convinced by their religion, continue to practice it? And do you think Grendel's hatred of the Scyldings and himself for liking the Scylding myth and religion is justified?
