The role of storytelling is important since it highlights the personalities and traits specific to important characters. Narration can also drive the plot, as seen in Homer's Odyssey and Virgil's Aeneid. These epics are based on the story of the protagonist's journey. However, Grendel, written by John Gardner, uses narration in a different way. The main character bases his understanding of himself on the narration of the Shaper, a blind bard telling historical stories. The purpose of storytelling in the works of Gardner, Homer, and Virgil is to personify the protagonist in what he does to truly define himself. In John Gardner's Grendel, the Shaper is an important character who carries the plot in a historical sense. During the first encounter between the monster and humans, Grendel hears of the stories and tales that the Shaper sings in Hrothgar's mead. Throughout the story, the Shaper narrates Danish history and the creation of human existence and Grendel is fascinated by this. After listening to the Shaper's stories, Grendel begins to realize that what he is saying is not true: "I too have fled, my mind swims in phrases resounding, magnificent, golden, and all, incredibly, lies,” and begins to think. questioning what is true and what is not (Gardner 43). The Shaper's eloquent tales had a great effect on Grendel: "He spoke of an ancient feud between two brothers that divided the whole world between darkness and light. And I, Grendel, was the dark side... I believed it! Such was the power of the Shaper's harp! » (Gardner 52). Gardner's writings on Grendel highlight a whole new side of Grendel, as opposed to the monstrous being of Beowulf; so much so that we can see a G division...... middle of paper ......hey did it on their journey. There are obvious similarities between the three literary works in the very essence of the importance of narration in the personification of the protagonists. Gardner's use of narration in Grendel relates to Homer's The Odyssey and Virgil's Aeneid in a historical sense since the earlier literary works are based on the use of narration to instill the moral values ​​of the protagonist and what he did to define himself. Grendel understands the meaning of life, through the beliefs of the Shaper and the philosophies of the dragon, and ultimately discovers his identity. Works Cited Gardner, John. Grendel. 1971. New York: Vintage, 1989. Print. Lawall, Sarah, ed. The Norton Anthology of Western Literature. 8th ed. New York: Norton, 2006. Print.----. "Homer." Lawall 100-106. Homer. The Odyssey. Lawall 206-495.