I Don't Try to be a Monster

King Hrothgar just built a mead hall, Herot. I’ve heard many great things about it. I have to take their word for it because I would never be able to visit the place myself. People run when they see me. They automatically think that I’ve come to eat or hurt them. This reputation has been built up for years by the monsters before me. The people don’t understand that we are not all the same. Though smashing things is fun, that's not what I'm all about. I can’t even get close enough to tell them this because of those stereotypes. It’s not very fun when everyone is scared of you. Sometimes I feel like a disease because I can’t talk to anyone who isn’t a monster. I didn’t choose to be like this. I was born a monster. I would never choose this life. It gets kind of lonely. There are other monsters but not many. Humans can go around and meet so many new people. I can’t do that. They sing of their joy and good fortune all day. It almost makes me angry to hear the joyous songs. Why can’t I feel the way they do? Why don’t I have a happy song to sing? I guess you could say I’m a little jealous. I try not to be, but it’s hard when they make the contrast of our worlds so apparent.

Attacks at Herot

Recently, I have become fed up with the warriors at Herot. I couldn’t take the joy and happiness anymore, so I decided to do something about it. I went into Herot while they were sleeping. Then I ate a few of the men. I ruined their mead hall while I was at it. I left before the sun had risen because anything could have happened if they had seen me. They could have great unknown strengths or powerful, sharp weapons to kill me. I tried to do the typical monster thing. I smashed things and killed people. I really don’t see how the other monsters do this on a regular basis. It was a very arduous task. I had to be really quiet to make sure I didn’t wake the others. Also eating people isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. I should find some kind of recipe or something. I really do like to cook, but I’ll lose my reputation if anyone finds out. Anyway, I went in and attacked the warriors at night without waking anyone. All I heard the next day was sadness and pain. It was better than all the singing, but then I felt kind of bad. I had forgotten about the families of the warriors. I didn’t mean to make the families suffer too. It really looks like I did this on purpose, but I didn’t. I feel so misunderstood.

Moving In

I have come to Herot several times now. It has become a hassle to go back and forth just for a little snack. My cave is pretty far away even for a giant like me. It’s kind of annoying. I have been trying to figure out what to do. My mom says that the exercise is good for me, especially since I’ve been eating all these people. The other monsters have been telling me different things. Some say it’s not worth the trip. Others say that I should move closer because it’s about time I moved away from my mother. I don’t really like that idea because there are no caves closer to Herot than mine. I’d be living out in the open or in a huge house, which is extremely conspicuous. None of this advice has really helped me, so I’ve started thinking of solutions on my own. A little bird told me that Herot was empty. All of the warriors left because they were afraid of me. If no one is there, then why can’t I move into Herot? It’s supposed to be the most glorious mead hall ever built. This is also the exact place I was going every night. It’s perfect! I will move in tonight! This is so exciting!

Warriors in Herot

As you know, I have been coming to Herot regularly for snacks. I've even moved into the glorious mead hall. The people are desparate because I've eaten so many and "terrorized" their community. I heard that King Hrothgar brought in some warriors and their leader Beowulf. What makes this Beowulf capable to beat me? I could eat five of him for breakfast. I will go to Herot tonight. There's no way a mere human's strength could match mine. Even my mother, who is very protective of me hasn't worried at all. We're giant monsters for goodness sake. I almost feel sorry for this Beowulf person. All of the people will be devasted after they see what I've to the mead hall in the morning. He has given them false hope. They all believe that he can win. It saddens me to know that I will be the one to crush their hopes and dreams. I didn't think there was anything wrong with the arrangement we have going now. I get a snack and they do nothing. I guess I see that they're getting the shorter end of the stick. I'm pretty confident in myself against this guy. My mom says that the humans could all come together and rise against me so I should be careful. She always says she'll avenge me if something happens, but I think that's silly. Nothing is going to happen. Beowulf is just a human. Mom is so overprotective. Sheesh!