"The grim spirit was called Grendel, known as a rover of the borders, one who held the moors, fen and fastness. Unhappy creature, he lived for a time in the home of the monsters' race, after God had condemned them as kin of Cain" (Norton, 28). Grendel is described as a monster with nails of steel: "The end of each one, each of the nail-places, was most like steel; the hand-spurs of the heathen warrior were monstrous spikes" (Norton, 39). He also has magical powers that make swords useless against him; "...that not any of the best of irons on earth, no war-sword, would touch the evil-doer: for with a charm he had made victory-weapons useless, every sword edge" (Norton, 37). Despite his powers, Grendel is defeated by Beowulf's mighty hand grip. With the strength of thirty men in his arm, Beowulf tears off Grendel's arm. Grendel, with only one arm and in pain runs away from Heorot to his mother.

Grendel's mother, who seeks revenge for her son, is a woman who obeys the rules of humans. Even though she could have killed more than one man, Grendel's mother by killing only Aeschere, is following the human code of "an eye for an eye." Grendel and his mother live in a lair at the bottom of a lake full of water monsters (Norton, 45). There in her cave, is where Beowulf beheads Grendel and (his mother). They were killed by not by Beowulf's powerful arm but by a sword that is in the lair.

Dragons exist in many different colors, sizes, power, and even nationalities. Western dragons are usually portrayed as evil and deadly monsters. The dragon in Beowulf is an example of an Western dragon. He is a creature whose lair contains treasures (Norton, 56) and has fiery breath: "Then the evil spirit began to vomit flames..." (Norton, 57). However, to the Asians, especially the Chinese and Japanese, the dragon is a benevolent creature who protects and benefits humans. During the times of the emperors in China, the dragon was a royal symbol. Emperors would wear drawings of dragons on their robes and crowns. In fact, the Chinese people born in the Year of the Dragon, are monarchs who are idealists, perfectionists, and are determined. The dragon to the Chinese is not only benevolent but powerful, with powers that benefit and help those who believe in them.

Not all dragons are big and powerful and want to kill humans; there are some dragons who like humans who like to read,or have fun or just

hang around.