original_query: What is the role of Grendel in the epic poem Beowulf?
query: What is the role of Grendel in the epic poem Beowulf?
answer: Grendel is one of the three antagonists in Beowulf, opposing the protagonist Beowulf.  He attacks Heorot, the mead-hall, for twelve years, killing inhabitants, until Beowulf defeats him.