Good vs. Evil
In this world it is clear who is evil and who is good, for one kills and one saves. However Beowulf is fighting for his own glory and not to save the people, and Grendel was born cursed and did not choose to be. One could argue that Grendel is not truly evil, but has no choice. One could also argue that Beowulf is not truly good, seeing as he only kills beasts for glory and fame but not for the welfare of the people. Though in the end it comes down to what someone does, Grendel still had a choice even though he was cursed, he could have spared the lives of those warriors that he murdered. Beowulf is a hero but may not have had a good heart or motive. But if a one had to be labeled, Beowulf would be good and Grendel would be evil. And clearly our king, Hrothgard, agrees by declaring "No one strange to this land has ever been granted what I've given you, no one in all the years of my."(pg 32 line 385-387)