How does Grendel's lair compare to Herot?

In the Anglo Saxon epic Beowulf, the
author skillfully contrasts the mead-hall Herot and Grendel's lair to highlight the
difference between good and evil.  The description of Herot comes early in the poem.  It
is filled with light and singing. Hrothgar's men gather there to tell stories, sing
hymns, and praise god.  It is a place of fellowship and camaraderie.  It was built
strong to "stand forever."  It was fashioned with " ivory and iron and wood," and stood
in "splendor."

However,  Grendel's lair is described with
cold, dark, and desolate imagery.  In fact, this description is is considered one of the
more lyrical parts of the epic.  Grendel lives where

mist

Steams
like black clouds, and the groves of trees

Growing out over
their lake are all covered

With frozen spray, and wind down
snakelike

Roots that reach as far as the
water

And help keep it dark.   . .
.

No one knows its bottom,

No
wisdom reaches such
depths.

Grendel's lair is a
dark and lonely place.  He and his mother live there in solitude.  No one ventures into
this area.  Even deer would prefer to die before seeking sanctuary in this place.  It is
such a place where the evil Grendel and his mother live.