Hrothgar and Grendel are characters in the famous epic poem "Beowulf". Grendel is described as a man-eating monster, void of feelings and empathy. However, <u>none of King Hrothgar's men is willing to challenge and defeat Grendel. The reason for that is the fact that they believe Grendel will certainly kill them if they challenge him. The King's men think "distance [is] safety". Only those who fled survived Grendel's fury. Therefore, they are not willing to risk their lives. As we know, it is the hero of the story, the warrior Beowulf who will kill Grendel.</u>