Understanding the author’s intention behind the portrayal of the character is challenging due to limited information provided. It is possible that this lack of detail allows for interpretation by readers, stimulating imagination and enhancing both plot and character development within the story. As a result, perceptions of Greened vary among individuals, although many initially view him as a monster.
The narrator and other characters offer us clues to piece together Greened’s appearance. The narrator primarily informs us about Grenade’s physical attributes, but other characters like unfetter and Beowulf also contribute to our understanding of the monster’s looks. According to the narrator, Greened is described as “.NET,” “dentin,” and “scathes.” While “.NET” and “dentin” come from Old Norse and translate to “troll,” “scathes” means “one who scathes.”
Many believe that the monster in the epic can be described as a troll-like figure, although the author is unsure about the exact appearance of a “troll”. In the film “Lord of the Rings”, “.NET” are portrayed differently compared to our current perception of troll-like creatures. “.NET” are depicted as tree-like beings who resemble and protect trees. They vary in height, size, color, and number of fingers and toes. Each “.NET” individual tends to resemble a specific type of tree.
In the poem, Beowulf, the hero describes Greened as a “Stout” which now translates to “giant” in modern English. It is difficult to understand this term “giant” from its old English meaning in relation to what we consider a giant today. According to a Swedish encyclopedia, giants are often portrayed with a hideous appearance – claws, fangs, and deformed features, as well as being extraordinarily large in size. Some of them even have multiple heads or exhibit child-like behavior. Many critiques of Beowulf view it as an epic comparison to the story of Christ and Satan.
If this statement is true, then it can be inferred that Greened possesses certain physical characteristics and behaviors resembling those of a man. Nonetheless, it is crucial to recognize that Greened is described as a “monster” and therefore not entirely human. Although he can walk on two feet and participate in combat like a man, his fighting style lacks the chivalry and honor typically associated with knights and soldiers. Furthermore, despite his beastly attributes and monstrous appearance, it seems that he is still influenced by human emotions and feelings.
The author’s identity and any other works he may have written are both unknown, making it impossible to determine if we will ever obtain a definitive depiction of the Greened described in his text. Nevertheless, we can speculate and examine the historical context in which the text was written to identify some probable traits he possesses. Multiple interpretations of Grenade’s physical appearance will always exist, and they will all remain valid unless the author provides further clarification.
