In the novel ,Grendel, many characters represent different branches of philosophy. One character in particular is the dragon, who represents numerous philosophies. This website focuses on only one, which is Fatalism. That is the belief that all life is predetermined and peoples' actions in no way effect their outcomes. The dragon is an all-knowing being and can see the future. He is a fatalist because of this. He does not think Grendel can change anything or anyone. The dragon simply wishes to count his treasures and sees no point in actually trying to make the world a better place. He believes that would be a wasted effort. He already knows he is to die so why would he try to live.