Who Grendel is
Grendel is a creature of the wilderness surrounding Heorot, the hall built by the Danish king Hrothgar. The poem calls him a descendant of Cain, the first murderer, marking him as an outcast.
He enters the hall at night, seizing sleeping warriors and carrying them away to eat. His attacks continue for twelve years, leaving Heorot empty after dark and Hrothgar unable to protect his people.
What Grendel wants
Grendel hates the laughter and singing that reach him from the hall. He cannot bear the sight of people who belong together, because he belongs nowhere. His hostility sets the darkness beyond Heorot against the warmth, loyalty and shared life within it.
Grendel and the others in the story
For Hrothgar, Grendel is an enemy whose strength defeats the protection a king owes his warriors. For Beowulf, news of the attacks becomes a reason to cross the sea and offer help. Beowulf prepares to face him without sword or shield, since Grendel himself uses no weapons.
Questions
Who is Grendel in Beowulf?
Grendel is the monster who repeatedly attacks Hrothgar's hall, Heorot, while the Danes sleep.
Why does Grendel attack Heorot?
He hates the joy coming from the hall. The poem connects that hatred with his exclusion from human fellowship.
Where does Grendel live?
Grendel lives in the fens and moors beyond the Danish hall.