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Grendel is a mass murderer and a killing machine, snuffing only for personal pleasure since he resents men for their ability to have a good time (unlike him, who has resigned to isolation). “Then the mighty war-spirit endured for a season, bore it bitterly, he who bided in darkness. That light-hearted laughter loud in the building/greeted him daily” (Hall 110 - 113). This confirms that Grendel is just a monster who kills for the joy of killing. Beowulf on the other hand is killing to save his people and the entire kingdom from the perils of external aggression. Technically, Beowulf and Grendel are both killers, but it is the intent of killing that makes Beowulf a hero and Grendel a villain (Napierkowski 503-516). While King Hrothgar is grieved and is going through the struggle of finding a way out for the citizens, Beowulf emerges to protect the king and the citizens. Standing to face the obvious monster without weaponry is the decisive essence of