The blood relation and identical social status that Grendel and his ancestor Cain share provides considerable evidence towards the argument that the two are similar. However, the analysis of their stories provide counter-attacks for this theory. It is foolish to deny the fact that they are both perceived as outcasts and doomed to be remembered by this forever. The the reasons for the consequences that are imposed on the two beings are very different. The intentions of the actions produce a vital and important distinction between the evils that Cain and Grendel commit. The green monster of jealousy is culpable of Cain’s rash decision to kill his brother Abel. The Lord favors Abel’s offerings of at from the first born sheep of his flock over Cain’s offerings of fruits. In God’s eyes, a living sacrifice suggests that the servant is obedient and willing to give up a life for the Lord. Ironically, Cain murders his brother because the Lord liked his offerings more. Cain is not tempted by an external factor to commit this sin, unlike Eve who is enticed by the slippery deceptions of the serpent. Therefore, Cain is solely responsible for his actions. There is no room to place blame on factor other than the evil of jealousy. Cain deserves the punishment that he is subjected to by God. Murder in itself is one of the most unforgivable sins that exist. By killing Abel, Cain is undermining God’s judgment of right v. wrong and decides to execute his own projection of justice. God inflicts a horrific curse on Abel that is worse than condemning him to death: Loneliness.
“Now you are under a curse and driven from the ground [….]You will be a restless wanderer on the earth [….] Anyone who kills Cain will suffer vengeance seven times over.” Then the LORD put a mark on Cain so that no one who found him would kill him. Genesis 4:12-15
Fate’s cruel tendencies are to blame for Grendel’s fate. As a descendent of Cain, Grendel is subjected to the same curse as his ancestor. He is pitted as an outcast before he is even able to waddle or think. His ancestry is to blame for his perception throughout the human world. Therefore, he cannot be held culpable for all of the evils that he commits, because he did not have a choice to belong to the community in the first place. He could not make peace and be friendly