Although Beowulf and Grendel are both strangers to the Spear-Danes their contrasting roles are aided by imagery in Seamus Heaney’s translation of Beowulf. Upon first encountering Grendel, he is described as a “grim demon/ haunting the marches..after nightfall” in pursuit to kill the Kings men (l.102-103, 115). Heaney continues to call Grendel part of “Cain’s Clan” thus, creating a biblical allusion to the book of Genesis where Cain kills his brother Abel (l.106). Therefore, by using the above imagery Grendel is indirectly given animal characteristics along with an evil persona. As a result the Danes are fearful towards Grendel and perceive him as being a stranger that must be destroyed in order to maintain peace in Heorot. Contrary to Grendel, Beowulf is stranger that is welcomed by the Danes after describing his mission to kill Grendel to King Hrothgar. Beowulf is described as a “mightier-man” who is “truly noble” and describes his purpose with ease (l.248,250). This description of Beowulf gives him a “God-Like” image as he is stronger and larger than other men and willingly aids other nations despite the dangers that may follow. These two opposing images of strangers in Beowulf give the characters different roles in the epic. While Grendel is perceived as animal and killer in the night, Beowulf is a hero who surpasses the average man with his nobility and strength. Therefore, both Heaney and the writers of Beowulf use the contrasting strangers to further acknowledge how imagery and appearance can enhance once perception of characters and contribute to symbolism in literature.

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