In times of war, morality and piety are easily cast aside as soldiers from opposing sides attempt to kill each other. In such dark circumstances, soldiers undergo transformations and never return from the battlefield the same before leaving. These transformations sometimes culminate in soldiers questioning their morals and why they blindly fight for their superiors. In Strula Gunnarson's Beowulf and Grendel, the Geat "hero" Beowulf faces moral dilemmas as he is tasked with killing Grendel, a wandering troll above Dane's kingdom. As the story progresses, he learns that the choices in war are not as easy as they once seemed and he begins to question his status as a "hero" as he learns what happened to the troll from the Danish ruler. John Gardner's novel Grendel also illustrates the questioning of morality. Grendel's attacks on the Danes are questioned by the dragon and the Shaper in the story, and at the end of the story, Grendel expresses hope for his death. The actions of the characters in the film and novel are related to the general question of morality in times of “peace” and “war”. In the film Beowulf and Grendel, by Sturla Gunnarson, and the novel Grendel, by John Gardner, moral questions begin to appear as the many dynamic characters in both sources begin to alter their early perceptions of right and wrong to do the right thing . decision, even if they suffer losses from these choices. An example of moral demonstration is presented in the book and film through the eyes of the witch Selma in Beowulf & Grendel and the dragon in Grendel. One scene in the film that shows morality as an issue is when Beowulf begins to build a relationship with Selma in her home. Inside, she discusses how she was abused... middle of paper... between good and evil, often artful and hidden in each source's many symbolic scenes. No choice is clear-cut; there is always evil mixed with good and sacrifices must be made to obtain the purest result. Beowulf's change due to the witch would become a beacon of hope for those who are lost or callous; identify new meaning in your life, accept others, regardless of their appearance or condition, and achieve greater self-respect. The morality displayed vividly through the story and film would offer readers a glimpse into what atrocities and evils occur unchecked in any human culture and how we can correct our faulty attitudes of judgment. Work cited Beowulf and Grendel. Dir. Sturla Gunnarson. Perf. Gerard Butler and Ingvar Eggert Sigurðsson. Motion Entertainment, 2005. Film. DVD.Gardner, John. Grendel. New York vintage. 1989. Print.