Hrothgar:
* A righteous ruler: Hrothgar is portrayed as a devout Christian king. His relationship with God is presented as one of reverence and obedience. This is evident in passages like his prayers and his reliance on God for protection.
* Contrast to Grendel: By highlighting Hrothgar's piety, the poet creates a stark contrast with Grendel, who is depicted as a monster excluded from God's grace. This emphasizes the ethical divide between good and evil.
* Symbol of civilization: Hrothgar's piety also serves to symbolize the civilization and order of the Danish kingdom. He is a figure of stability, protected by the divine.
Grendel:
* A creature of darkness: Grendel is described as a "hell-damned" being, alienated from God and dwelling in darkness. His actions are seen as a direct challenge to God's order.
* A representation of chaos: His monstrous nature symbolizes the chaos and destruction that can arise when people turn away from God.
* A reminder of human frailty: Grendel's existence also reminds the audience of the inherent capacity for evil within humanity, suggesting a need for spiritual guidance and protection.
Overall, the poet uses religious imagery to:
* Establish a moral framework: The poem presents a clear conflict between good (represented by Hrothgar and Beowulf) and evil (represented by Grendel).
* Enhance the epic quality: The presence of the supernatural and the constant struggle between good and evil elevate the story to a grand, epic scale.
* Reflect the values of the time: The Christian beliefs of the time were strongly ingrained in the society. The poem reflects this by framing the conflict in religious terms.
By contrasting Hrothgar's devout faith with Grendel's damnation, the poet adds a layer of meaning and depth to the epic. The conflict between the two characters becomes not just a battle for power, but also a struggle between light and darkness, good and evil, order and chaos.