Grendel's Mother a "Monster"... by who's standards?

            In both Seamus Heaney’s translation of Beowulf and the original Old English text, one thing is clear: the author’s focus on the different character’s motivation. In the instance of Grendel’s mother and Beowulf, the motivation is not only compelling but also quite parallel and ironic. The poem quickly allows you to understand Beowulf, and the type of person that he is, his extensive history as a noble warrior, and his rumored ability to hold “the strength of thirty in his grip of each hand” (27). In the instance of Grendel’s mother, though, the same notable picture is not painted. Referred to as a “monstrous hell-bride, brooded on her wrongs”, Grendel’s mother is not even given a formal name but is instead “branded (as) an outlaw” (89). Two characters which seem to be far from comparable fight for the same purpose in the battle which leads to Grendel’s mother’s death: that purpose being revenge for someone of whom they love. Although Beowulf is appearing for the sake of Hrothgar, he is also motivated also by his honor which can only be preserved by representing Hrothgars motive. Grendel’s mother wished to avenge death as well, but instead that of her son. As the two fought, it is apparent that this monster which is Grendel’s mother still possesses natural emotions of a human. Often in this setting, people would refer to those with born with physical disabilities as monsters. That being said, is Grendel’s mother really a monster at all, behind her bulky physic, or can she be compared to a simple mother, wishing for justice? Through my readings, I cannot help but come to the conclusion that Grendel’s mother’s intentions were that of a mother, who deserves justice. Being exiled to such a place for many years could have caused her to build up the emotions which Grendel could not control, but she had stayed away from Heorot for all of those years never indulging in her sons natural desires for revenge.

 By the times standards, would Beowulf’s brute strength constitute him as a monster, for he is different than the many others who have attempted to eliminate the ogre’s and failed?