Beowulf does not match up with the majority of the Hero’s Journey steps.Beowulf normal? No, absolutely not. First of all Beowulf was already Prince of the Geats. Also even before Grendel, he had already been covered in the blood of this enemy and dive five giants to chains.(Lines 152-160). His introduction to the story starts off with him listing all his prior accomplishments. Nothing about his surrounds is normal or mundane. From the beginning, it is clear Beowulf is not normal. This remain true thought the story as well If anyone is capable of such a task, it is him. Once informed of the monster Beowulf promptly leaves Geat for Herot. Also upon hearing the task Beowulf is ecstatic to end Grendal. Never for the slightest moment did Beowulf …show more content…
To which after the passing of his uncle and cousin, he given the crown. Beowulf is meet with no enemies for fifty years. The reward of Beowulf final battle was the tower. Also the knowledge knowing he served his people well in the end. That tower symbolized his legacy. To would allow for name to be kept alive long after his death. A moment which could count as resurrection is once the sword comes into Beowulf's possession. Before that Grendel's mother had taken his manhood. Stripped him of power, allowing for the vengeance of her son. With faith the sword changes the course of the battle completely. Then allowing Beowulf to emerge from the lake as the victor. Which he had attained fame and knowledge. During the last battle what was obtained during his final moment was wisdom. Also the riches of the dragon that were to buried with the king.
Beowulf overall does match with Hero’s journey. He displays confidence in each decision taken. Though he has concern that does not allow for refusal. With his confidence is was able to gain knowledge in ruling his people. Because he this is is a mentor to Wiglaf. There is no divine intervention. Aside from the inferences to be make from instance of the sword and Hrothgar protection from God. Beowulf rewards came where both tangible and intangible. The first reward the head of his enemy, Which earned him power which is synonymous with fame. This last battle allowed for to earnwisdom to pass in peace
In conclusion, although Beowulf possessed many heroic qualities he would not be considered a hero in today’s world. A hero varies from culture to culture. The Anglo-Saxon appreciated different things in a person that what do not we appreciate today. Many things have changed a lot with time, the requisites for being considered a hero have also changed. Today we do not like to solve problems with war. Pride and honor are not as important as the willingness one has to help others. Beowulf is not feeling that contact with people he doesn’t identify with them because he believes himself better, a part of a hero´s cycle is to be identified with the community. To be part
Beowulf was a strong young man who was able to defeat a terrible monster known as Grendel. During this era in human history young men were expected to be far more durable and adequate compared to those of today. Those young men commonly had the dream of becoming king, defeating strong monsters, go on adventures, or even die a hero. All of which Beowulf managed to do making him a perfect role model for the young men at the time. The story of Beowulf truly captured all of the dreams of young men at the time and it was a perfect story for the time. Although times changed the dreams of the people never died, they were just advanced, edited and remade into new stories, better stories for better
Thou Hrothgar, hail! Hygelac's I, – kinsman and follower. Fame a plenty – have I gained in youth! (”Beowulf”408-410) Francis B. Gummere the author of the epic “Beowulf”, which tells the tale of a hero. For a story that’s supposed to be told about a hero Beowulf’s actions are not the case with many hero’s and maybe for Anglo-Saxon culture, but Beowulf cannot be considered as a hero in modern times. Beowulf is not a modern hero or a hero that would be accepted in today’s society. Beowulf is not a hero because of his lack of morals and compassion, Beowulf not believing in his own men, and Beowulf’s constant need to be the best or accepted by many.
Beowulf is a great tale but as a person, he isn’t that all that people make him out to be. In his older years his need for attention and glory ended up with the death of him. He fought the dragon alone and in return, ended up killing the dragon, but also sacrificed himself. Even as he died he asked for one thing, his people to build him a memorial near the sea so everyone could see the person that he was. His need for attention, lack of planning, and need for glory caused him to be just a prideful man, not a
Through his many heroic accomplishments, whether it is fighting Grendel, Grendel’s mother, or the dragon, in Beowulf’s defense of the needy and his enthusiasm to sacrifice his life to benefit others, Beowulf has earned the right to be given the name “hero.” Beowulf can be looked at as a man who demonstrates the knightly morality of his medieval counterparts. Beowulf is not only a hero, but also a model to all warriors of that they should aim to be.
Beowulf has been living at his home land taking on challenges that others may not have wanted to take on. He has always been a man of action, always looking for adventure that challenges his strength. When Beowulf was told of the rumors that a demon is tormenting Hrothgar famous mead serving hall he accepted the wise men decisions to help him rid them of the demon. This is where step two of the hero’s journey comes into play. There is a call to adventure that affects the hero in some way. Beowulf may have formed a personal connection to the cries of Hrothgar reason being his father was once had history with Hrothgar . When Hrothgar helped Beowulf 's father settle things with the Wulfings Beowulf may have felt a need to repay his father’s debt. When Beowulf and his men finished the feast the king provided in the mead hall that was closed due to Grendel’s blood lust. ¨Epic heroes possess qualities that mere mortals lack. Bravery beyond compare, superhuman intelligence, strength or skills and a driving desire to find success¨(Connie Jankowski). In this part of the story Beowulf and his men have proven that they do contain the courage
He followed the she-wolf down to her under water cave to kill her. After some time, many people gave up on the hope that Beowulf was alive. But Beowulf could not be defeated! After the fierce battle with Grendel’s mother, Beowulf came back to Hrothgar’s kingdom carrying the head of Grendel. The Danes were so pleased they threw a big party for him in Herot. Once Beowulf returned to our land he served as king of Geatland, no one else could ever be a better fit.
To start off, throughout the story Beowulf is set to complete a task or quest. His story starts off when Beowulf catches word that a fierce monster named Grendel has been terrorizing and killing King Hrothgar’s men in the town of Herot. Beowulf quickly sets boats to
Beowulf displayed great courage and honor throughout his journeys and battles; he was an epic hero. An epic hero is a person who is viewed as larger than life and possesses values of a certain society. From the time of Beowulf’s battle with Grendel to his brawl against the dragon, he has showed everyone what being an honorable hero looks like. His heroism is revealed through both youth as a young warrior and wisdom as a reliable king. He never backed down and didn’t give up when situations were tough. Beowulf had obligations to fulfill and went about every aspect of his life with courage and strength. He cared for his people and was willing to take on anyone that threatened them or his kingdom. He sincerely was the hero of his time.
When deciphering between what it considered to be heroic or monstrous, it is important to keep in mind the angle in which a story is being told. While reading Beowulf, the protagonist of the epic poem could be considered either heroic or monstrous through the eyes of different characters. Beowulf can be classified as a hero according to The Hero’s Journey through the eyes of Hrothgar and Hygelac. On the other hand, Beowulf could be viewed as being monstrous according to Monster Theory through the eyes of Unferth and Grendel’s Mother.
Beowulf was a perfectly shaped epic hero of fame and glory. He possesses uncommon human ability and a very loyal nature. He won the respect of all who came. in contact with him through his champion-like etiquette and dignity. Although these two characters represented entirely different types of heroes, they shared one important similarity.
To begin, we can examine the physical appearances of the two heroes. From the get go, we see Beowulf as a very powerful man. We see emphasise of this through the drawings of the novel. We see how muscular he is and the overall aura. He is relaxed and in control every step of the way.
Beowulf is called upon again to defeat this monster. Beowulf puts on his armour and takes the sword Hrunting and descends into the monster’s lair. Grendel’s mother quickly grabs Beowulf and takes him to the battle arena. Once there, Beowulf fights and finds his sword cannot pierce the monster’s hide. So once again, Beowulf throws his sword aside and fights hand-to-hand. Yet, he could not defeat her with his hands alone. Then Beowulf sees, “hanging on the wall, a heavy, Sword, hammered by giants, strong And blessed with their magic, the best of all weapons.” Taking the sword and holding it high above his head he strikes the monster in the neck cutting deep into the skin, breaking bones and all. Thus ending his second heroic battle with a mythical beast and proving that he is indeed worthy of praise. Yet, this is not the greatest of his deeds.
After the long battle that he bravely fought and did not do as good as he thought he was going to be doing. On his way back he found Grendel body laying lifeless on the ground. Beowulf be headed Grendel and took the head as a trophy to the King of the Danes. The purpose of this was so they could always remember the horrors that they lived through. They all thanked Him for the opportunity.
Beowulf’s first accomplishment as an epic hero was his battle with Grendel. Grendel was a huge beast, a descendent of Cain, who ruthlessly murdered innocent Danes because he felt pity for himself. Upon hearing of the Dane’s problem, Beowulf set off to help the Danish without having been called upon. Even though Beowulf had men backing him, He drew battle with Grendel alone and without armor or weapons. Yet, Beowulf emerged victorious with the arm of Grendel as his trophy. Beowulf then went on to kill Grendel’s vengeful mother and a huge fire-breathing dragon who thought it had been done wrong by the Geats. Alas, the killing of the dragon would be Beowulf’s last great battle for the dragon took Beowulf’s life in the struggle for his own.