So Healfdene's son brooded continually / over his sorrows; the wise man could not / ward off the trouble. The strife was too great, / hateful, long-lasting, that had come to the nation, / cruel spirit's envy, gigantic night-evil. / Far off in his homeland Hygelac's thane, good man of the Geats, heard about Grendel; / he was the strongest of all living men / at that time in this world, / noble and huge.
Which statement from the passage most clearly establishes characterization for Beowulf?
Which statement from the passage most clearly establishes characterization for Beowulf?