The dragon sees the shaper’s songs as simply illusion, a tool that helps the humans deal with an irrational universe. However, underlying Grendel’s dislike of the Shaper is at least some jealousy, as Grendel wishes he could be a part of the community that is unified by the Shaper’s stories. Grendel is fascinated and enticed by the beauty of the Shaper’s art, but he is also enraged by it, since he knows that it false and full of lies. For Grendel, the Shaper has the unique ability to shape and change the world, creating a sense of order, meaning, and beauty out of a chaotic universe. He also inspires Hrothgar to construct his great meadhall, Hart. His skillful songs inspire Hrothgar’s men to greatness and propagate ideas of heroism, justice, and religion. He is the character through whom the novel most deeply explores ideas about language, art, and beauty. The Shaper is an old, blind man who comes to Hrothgar offering to sing for money.
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