The dichotomy of hero vs. villain is apparent throughout the story of Beowulf. Beowulf, being the hero of this book fights three villains, which are Grendel, Grendel’s mother, and the dragon. Each of these fights Beowulf fought causes him to receive lavish gifts and recognition as a brave warrior, however once he was named king, his transition from warrior to king highlighted the dichotomy of heroic warrior and heroic king. Grendel, one of the villains in this book could be interpreted as sin, or evil, Grendel’s mom as revenge, and the dragon as mutual destruction or death. Explaining these three fights and what each meant to Beowulf, the hero vs. villains can be perceived. The first battle Beowulf fought was with Grendel, “a grim demon
