82 pages • 2 hours read
Grendel
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Book Brief
192
Novel • Fiction
Scandinavia • Medieval Era
1971
Adult
14-18 years
860L
Super Short Summary
In John Gardner’s Grendel, the monster Grendel recounts his life and encounters with humans in a nonlinear narrative, revealing his existential angst and philosophical reflections. Raised in a cave by his non-verbal mother, Grendel discovers his terrifying nature and begins terrorizing Hrothgar’s kingdom. Dialogue with a dragon deepens his existential crisis, leading him to question the meaning of life and his role in it.
Mysterious
Dark
Contemplative
Melancholic
Reviews & Readership
41,906 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Grendel by John Gardner transforms the Beowulf story, providing a philosophical and introspective look into the monster Grendel’s psyche. Praised for its lyrical prose and existential themes, some readers find its philosophical nature dense. While appreciated for its unique perspective, others feel the narrative can be slow. Engaging for those interested in literary retellings.
Who Should Read Grendel?
Readers who relish philosophical introspection and dark, contemporary takes on classic tales will enjoy John Gardner's Grendel. Similar to fans of Albert Camus' The Stranger and Franz Kafka's The Metamorphosis, they will appreciate the novel's existential themes and anti-heroic perspective.
41,906 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Grendel's Mother
Grendel's Mother
Grendel's mother is a non-verbal, cave-dwelling creature who shares a close bond with Grendel. She transitions from being his protector to someone who appears weakened and confused over time.
Hrothgar
Hrothgar
Hrothgar is the king of the Danes, a leader whose kingdom is affected by Grendel's raids. He is a more human and multifaceted character compared to his depiction in the original epic.
The Shaper
The Shaper
The Shaper is a bard who captivates Hrothgar's court with poetic and fictional tales, shaping the perception and understanding of the world for both the Danes and Grendel.
The Dragon
The Dragon
The Dragon is a powerful and omniscient creature whose cynical views on life influence Grendel significantly. He embodies a fatalistic and detached perspective on existence.
The Stranger
The Stranger
The Stranger is a formidable warrior from Geatland whose arrival significantly impacts Grendel. He possesses a mysterious and supernatural presence that challenges Grendel and others in the narrative.
192
Novel • Fiction
Scandinavia • Medieval Era
1971
Adult
14-18 years
860L
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.