Unlike Grendel, she does not have a proper name, she is simply called Grendel's mother. If Grendel is descended from the line of Cain, then his mother must be part of that line, his status, therefore, somewhat dependent on hers (Slusser). Grendel's mother is not as powerful as Grendel, but is motivated by revenge after discovering what had been done to her son. She has begun a "wild journey", tormented by pain and ravenous, desperate for revenge (Beowulf, lines 1276-1278). She headed towards the mead trying to take out her anger on the people who killed her son. He manages to kill one of the many men but leaves when he sees the strength of the men in the room. Beowulf follows her and is determined to kill her, in doing so he becomes the invader in her hall just as she and Grendel were in Heorot. Here Grendel's mother reacts when Beowulf attacks her, however, not being as severe as Grendel, she also ends up being killed (Beowulf,