The big baddie in Beowulf isn't actually the monster Grendel, but Grendel's Mother. Who maybe isn't a monster at all? Often depicted in adaptations as a hideous beast or an alluring seductress, her true nature is debated. Despite appearances, she’s described in the original text in warrior terms, challenging traditional gender roles. Translation and interpretation have shaped her lore as a fearsome yet misunderstood figure. (thetvdb.com)