At the beginning, Grendel says: “…I misunderstood at first: I thought it was an advantage” (76). Suffice it to say, Grendel realizes the true nature of the charm fairly early on and understands why the dragon inflicted on him what Grendel would understand more as a curse. The charm causes Grendel to feel isolated again, and when the guard finds and attacks Grendel without provocation, Grendel realizes that the man will always assume he is the enemy. With this charm, it's all too easy for Grendel to decide to finally fight against the man he believes has been accusing him unfairly all this time. Grendel almost felt empowered thanks to his charm, and he was happy to now have a purpose and a place in the world. He calls himself "...Grendel, the ruiner of Meadhalls, the demolisher of kings!" » (80). This existential crisis that Grendel found in realizing that he was now almost immortal as far as man was concerned turns into Grendel realizing and fulfilling his place in the world that the dragon had spoken of. Grendel has come to accept his role as man's antagonist and becomes delighted with his new purpose in terrorizing life.