The main action of the novel takes place during Grendel's 12-year war with the Danes. Along the way, the story flashes back to episodes of his early life, such as his discovery of men and their civilization, and interactions with his mother, who does not share his power of speech or his curiosity about the world around them. Portrayed as misunderstood and hungry for acceptance, Grendel is torn between his admiration for the heroic tales of the Danes and his hatred of their violent ways. However, he is unable to control his own monstrous nature, and cannot overcome the pain of his isolation.

The novel is the most popular work by John C. Gardner, and in 2006, it was adapted by the Los Angeles Opera, with direction by Emmy and Tony Award winner Julie Taymor.

1. Author: John Gardner
2. Year of publication: 1971
3. Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf
4. Setting: Denmark, 4th Century AD
5. Point of view: First-person narrative
6. Written in Modern English
7. Beowulf is only briefly mentioned, and not by name
8. Adapted into an animated film in 1981
9. Familiarity with the text of Beowulf is recommended
10. Themes: Art as falsehood, the power of story and myth, the pain of isolation

1. "'The Shaper may yet improve men's minds, bring peace to the miserable Danes.' But they were doomed, I knew, and I was glad. No denying it. Let them wander the fogroads of Hell."
2. "Pick an apocalypse, any apocalypse. A sea of black oil and dead things. No wind. No light. Nothing stirring, not even an ant, a spider. A silent universe. Such is the end of the flicker of time, the brief hot fuse of events and ideas set off, accidentally, and snuffed out, accidentally, by man. Not a real ending of course, nor even a beginning. Mere ripple in Time's stream."
3. "I will count my numberless blessings one by one."