Beowulf: The Psychoanalytic Depth of Grendel, Scion of Cain

In this presentation, Dr. Justin James (PhD in Classical Philology) discusses Grendel, the first of three antagonists in the epic Beowulf.

Beowulf is not only the earliest epic poem of English but of all European vernacular. Is Grendel a more complicated character than the epic’s hero Beowulf? Why do modern adaptations of the epic chiefly focus their alterations on Grendel? I argue that the most sophisticated treatment of Grendel, despite worthy modern retellings, lies in the original epic poem. The deeply troubled, bitter and resentful Grendel, is allegorical and should be recognizable to us all. Furthermore, the character remains a cautionary tale to remind us to be self-ware and avoid the pitfalls despair.

Thanks for watching. Learning is collaborative.

#Beowulf #Grendel #OldEnglish #Epic

Works Mentioned:

Accessed 26 August 2021.
Brown, Jerrod. “Father-Absent Homes: Implications for Criminal Justice and Mental Health
Accessed 26 August 2021.
Foster, Robert. The Complete Guide to Middle-earth: Tolkien's world from A to Z. New York:
Ballantine Books, 2001.
Accessed 26 August 2021.
Lindow, John. Trolls: an Unnatural History. London: Reaktion Books, 2019.
Maginnis, R. L. “Single-Parent Families Cause Juvenile Crime.” U.S. Department of Justice,
Plato. Plato in Twelve Volumes, Vols. 5 & 6. Translated by Paul Shorey. Cambridge: Harvard
University Press, 1969.
Plutarch. Plutarch’s Lives. Translated by Bernadotte Perrin. Cambridge: Harvard University Press,
1920.

[tessmcnamara]

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[DEADIKATED]

Great Video. I too was raised by a single Mother and did not realize the issues I had until I had my own Chiildren. Even to this day while My Children are in their early 20's I still experience some issues mostly of self doubt.

[idaavenido]

Philosophy is the key to avoid being a Grendel in this world and how to deal with someone like Grendel.