Balance is equivalent to peace, parallel to equality, and defined as equilibrium. Thomas Kinkade once said "balance, peace, and joy are the fruit of a successful life.  These three factors are essential for living a tranquil life. One who did not live a successful life, due to lacking these factors, was Grendel, main character in Grendel. John Gardner reflects on the motif of balance throughout his novel Grendel. Gardener suggests that if an individual does not find peace within themselves, they will live a miserable life. Gardener associates balance with peace during his early portrayal of the motif as he reflects on the effects of the addition of peace. Grendel mentions that "balance is everything, riding out like a helmless sheepboat, keel to hellward, mast upreared to prick out heaven's eye  (91), already admitting the essence of balance early on. At this point, Grendel has not yet experienced balance, yet he admits it is everything. Also, Grendel is halfway through his pointless twelve years of war, he is definitely wiser than the first time he stepped out of the cave. True balance is first observed once Hymgod offers Hrothgar his sister as a gift in exchange for avoiding a war between the Danes and the Helmings. According to Grendel, Wealtheow made an enormous impact on the locals the as "they were still, as if her voice were magic  (101). Zodiac Libra's symbol is a scale, and Wealtheow is the scale in this case. This scale brings prevents an outbreak and brings peace by balancing both sides. Without a doubt, Wealtheow is a symbol for peace and balance. However, this event is parallel to Grendel's own life. As Grendel had already attacked the mead hall in multiple occasions, he suddenly withdraws his attacks once Wealtheow arrives. Grendel has now found a balance within himself that temporarily prevents his violence, it is almost as if he has acquired a temporary state of tranquility and peace. Ork, who believes that Grend