Ruth P.M. Lehmann interprets Grendel as The creature of evil, / grim andgreedy, was gripped at once / by wrath and raging (H.120-22). Bothrepresentations present Grendel as a creature with human traits, but they make nomention of the Old English heroic ideal of readiness for battle. It is thisrecognition, in the translation of the representation of Grendel from Old English,that provides the depth in the character of Grendel in comparison to Beowulf, andemphasizes his warrior traits. Most of the translations for gearo sona waes,(121) are as follows: was ready straight (A.121), was soon alert (B.121), hewas soon ready (E.243), was quickly ready (F,K.121), and ready soon hewas (L.121). These form a general pattern over time in translation that doesrecognize the importance of Grendel as a warrior figure and anti-hero to Beowulf. Grendels readiness for battle is translated, drawing on the Old English ideal ofheroic combat, which emphasizes the human traits and emotions that are providedin the representation of Grendel in each of the translations. The majority of thetranslations, albeit to varying degrees, tend to express Grendel in the manner thatwas intended by the original Old English poem. Of the translations selected, Ifound that my own was the most representative of the original text. While mostof the translations expressed Wiht unhaelo (120) as the creature of evil, myown translation expresses this as Warrior creature of unsalvation (L.120). Ifind that, in keeping with the depth and metaphors present in the poetic andnarrative language of the original, the translation can maintain the heroicresonances that make the Old English epic of Beowulf great. Warrior creature ofunsalvation suggests a strength in the force that is Grendel, and draws immediatecomparison to the counter-force, Beowulf. As Beowulf is fated to be the warriorof salvation for Hrothgars court, so is Grendel fated to be the warrior ofunsalvation; this is express...
