Grendel/Kingmanship

Hrothgar begins the novel as Grendel's nemesis, a man of violence who seeks to destroy that which he does not understand. Later, he becomes a parallel to Grendel, creating politically what Grendel attempts to create philosophically. The two characters' lives continue running parallel, as Grendel becomes bored with his violent, random existence at the same time that Hrothgar wearies of his political role. Both Hrothgar and Grendel see their successor. For Hrothgar, it is Hrothulf, and for Grendel, it is Beowulf.

In the end, both Grendel and Hrothgar have wearied of their roles and are ready to move on. In essence, nothing has been accomplished, the twelve year war has accomplished almost nothing save the constant, unnecessary death and battles. Hrothgar is kingly and beloved, and yet, Grendel sees tiredness... the beaten man, who should be pitied even if he has no intention of affording him that pity. In turn, Grendel is bored.

The bull, like Hrothgar, attacks Grendel relentlessly, and like his encounter with the bull, Grendel learns to avoid attacks by Hrothgar's men.