Grendel (Magill’s Guide to Science Fiction and Fantasy Literature)
At a glance:
- Author: John Gardner
- First Published: 1971
- Type of Work: Novel
- Type of Plot: Fantasy—mythological
- Time of Work: Probably the sixth century
- Setting: Scandinavia
- Genres: Long fiction, Fantasy
- Subjects: Philosophy or philosophers, Folkloric or magical people, Mythical animals, Mythology or myths, War, Kings, queens, or royalty, Legends, Human behavior, Existentialism, Heroes or heroism, Scandinavia or Scandinavians, Middle Ages, Sixth century, Monsters, Dragons
- Locales: Scandinavia
The Plot
Grendel, a young monster, lives with his mother in a vast cave under a marsh. Swimming through a pool of firesnakes, he finds a secret door leading to the world above. On the surface one night, he becomes stuck in a tree. Exhausted, he finally sleeps, awakening to find that a group of humans is trying to figure out what he is. Grendel understands their language, but they misinterpret everything he says and eventually try to kill him. Only his mothers arrival rescues him.
Grendel periodically visits the surface to observe these creatures who speak his language....
[The entire page is 1810 words long]
Join eNotes
Over 3,500 study guides, question and answer forums, literature criticism, reference content, and much more!
Navigate
See Also
