Final answer:
The references to Hrothgar and Grendel's relationship to God in 'Beowulf' reflect the Christianization of the epic, symbolizing the good versus evil dichotomy within the Christian moral framework and aligning the story's values with the Christian audience of the time.
Step-by-step explanation:
The purpose of referring to Hrothgar and Grendel in terms of their relationship to God in the epic Beowulf is to infuse Christian ideology into the traditionally pagan story. This inclusion reflects the historical transition of societies from paganism to Christianity. The character Hrothgar, who is depicted as a God-fearing king, serves to illustrate the virtuous and rightful leader in the Christian moral framework. Contrastingly, Grendel is portrayed as a descendant of Cain, reflecting the embodiment of evil and antithesis to Christian values. This dichotomy underscores the conflict between good and evil, both in a religious context and in the narrative of the epic.
The introduction of Christianity into the narrative of Beowulf serves to legitimize the new religion and align the values of the story with those of the contemporary Christian audience. This is similar to historical instances such as the repurposing of pagan sites for Christian worship or the transition of Nordic societies towards Christianity as observed with the Jelling Stones erected by King Harald Bluetooth. This blend of Christian and pagan elements demonstrates a cultural and religious synthesis that was common during the time when oral traditions like Beowulf were being transcribed into written form.