Grendel, the Zodiac, and Western Philosophy
Due: Thursday, November 5th!

1. Aries—the Ram:
Part One: Zodiac:
The sign of Aries marks the beginning of a new cycle of the zodiac; however, there is nothing unique or special about this new cycle, b/c it is just like the cycle that has just ended. According to Grendel, the ram (Aries) acts the same way he did “last year at this time, and the year before, and the year before that.” All has happened before, all will happen again.

Part Two: Philosophy:
Orphisim. Orphisim is the belief that the body is a prison and that human souls are divine and immortal but doomed to live (for a period) in a “grievous circle” of successive bodily lives (reincarnation). As Grendel stares at the ram in Chapter One, he laments and curses at the interminable cycle of life, that everything (like the ram wanting to mate) has happened before and will happen again. Grendel is frustrated by being trapped in his own “grievous circle” of seasons and life. …show more content…
Taurus—the Bull:
Part one: Zodiac:
The sign of Taurus, second stage of the zodiac cycle, is a sign of manhood, strength, and potency. According to Grendel, the bull (Taurus) attacks Grendel during his adventure in the outside (new) world. The Bull continues to attack Grendel; however, he ceases to pay attention and falls asleep.

Part two: