Grendel's Mother

Name: Grendel's Mother

AKA: The Mother of Grendel, The Devil-Shaped Woman, Fiend-Woman

Location: Bottom of the Sea

Novel: Beowulf

Author: Unknown (Anglo-Saxon origin)


Natural History:
Thought to inhabit the horrible, cold flowing waters of the moorlands, Grendel's Mother was forced to leave her watery home when her son Grendel was maimed by the hand of the hero Beowulf. Thirsty for revenge, Grendel's Mother made her way to Heorot while the danes were sleeping in the great hall of the King, Hrothgar.

Grendel's Mother rushed into the hall, destroying the doors and entrance, and grabbed one of Hrothgar's favorite liegemen, the Dane of Æschere. Beowulf, asleep in another room, only hears of the slaughter in the morning when Hrothgar accounts the gruesome death of the Dane by the hand of Grendel's Mother. Beowulf then sets off to find the home of the monster, aided only by the rumors of a mighty-march of striding creatures in the moorlands.

Firm-rooted forests, miles-length of standing water, and stirring winds battered Beowulf in his search for Grendel's Mother, seeking places no deer or wolf would dare enter. Coming upon  Æschere head, Beowulf dives into the water beneath the cliffs, filled with sea monsters and serpents. Having taken a day to reach the bottom of the sea, Beowulf encounters the caves of Grendel's Mother and begins to fight her in the grim domain. Not being able to pierce the warriors armor, Grendel's Mother grabbed Beowulf and brought him to her den.

Having the upper hand, Grendel's Mother threw Beowulf to the ground and attempt to kill him with her mighty claws, but his armor was too thick. With all his strength, Beowulf grabbed a giant sword, one of the many treasures in the cave, and sliced through her neck. The body of Grendel's Mother lay next to that of her dead son, both slain by Beowulf.

"...His mother moreover
Eager and gloomy was anxious to go on
Her mournful mission, mindful of vengeance
For the death of her son..."