In the Poem:
* Motivation: She is primarily driven by revenge for the death of her son, Grendel. She is not depicted as a monster herself, but rather a powerful and vengeful creature who seeks retribution for the loss of her child.
* Physical Description: While she is described as being strong and fierce, she is not explicitly characterized as monstrous or grotesque. The poem focuses more on her power and wrath than on her physical appearance.
* Role in the Story: She is a central figure in the epic, but her presence is brief. Her primary purpose is to test Beowulf's courage and strength, and she eventually meets her demise at his hands.
In the Movie:
* Motivation: She is portrayed as a more complex character, with a backstory that suggests she was once human and corrupted by the darkness of the cave where she lived. Her motivation is not just revenge but also a desire to protect her remaining child.
* Physical Description: She is depicted as a monstrous and grotesque creature, with sharp claws, jagged teeth, and a deformed body. Her appearance is meant to be terrifying and unsettling.
* Role in the Story: She is a more prominent figure in the film, with a more developed backstory and a greater role in the overall narrative. The movie explores her relationship with Grendel and her internal struggle with her monstrous nature.
Key Differences:
* Motivations: The movie explores more complex motivations for Grendel's mother, while the poem focuses on her primary motivation for revenge.
* Physical Appearance: The movie presents her as a more grotesque monster, while the poem focuses more on her power and fury.
* Role in the Story: The movie gives her a larger and more developed role, while the poem presents her as a more brief and focused antagonist.
Overall, the movie adaptation takes more liberties with the character of Grendel's mother, creating a more complex and multifaceted character, while the poem focuses on her role as a vengeful force driving the story forward.