In the novel Grendel, John Gardner introduces the reader to a world defined by various clashing belief systems, philosophies, and world views. As Grendel encounters various characters, all believing in different philosophies, he becomes conflicted over which philosophy to believe in. While he gravitates towards the views of the Shaper, he attempts to remain faithful to the Dragon’s words about the lies and unimportance of the people’s lives. Despite the trills he finds in murdering people, he quickly loses interest and rethink about his purpose in life. Through conflicts in the philosophies of the “good” and “evil” characters, Grendel finally understands that existential nihilism does not accurately explain the meaning of life, but rather existentialism,
