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
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doubt or refuse this opportunity. This is seem with the battle with the dragon as well. Beowulf did not hesitate despite his age. He did what was necessary for his people. Which is odd often Kings don’t participate in battle. Often warriors are sent name of the king. Nor did Beowulf have a mentor during the journey. Though Beowulf was is a mentor to Wiglaf. Beowulf passes this power down to Wiglaf. Regardless if Wiglaf got the crown Beowulf was his hero. It was his confidence in his abilities that allowed him to triumph. He knew what would come after this. The fight with Grendel would be able to help his thirst for fame. Which fueled his eagerness for battle with the demon. As for crossing the threshold. Beowulf from the beginning was ready for this. The only consequence was that of his life possible ending. Though he believed that fate would make the decide the victor. So much so that he requested that his armor be brought back if he were to die. The “special world” is more of a different land that wasn’t Geat The enemies included Grendel and his mother.Also the dragon though that wouldn’t be for another fifty years after Grendel. For Grenal had terrorized the place for too long. Defeating his enemies was not a test more of a necessary task. Beowulf did not need a test courage for that was already proven. He was just doing what was necessary to achieve his goal. It is inevitable the hero must approach the “cave”. In this instance, one enemy came directly to the hero. It was the monster’s mother that cause Beowulf enter the lair. Upon his decision Beowulf is able to defeat the mother. While in the partial struggle of the battle, Beowulf finds the sword able to defeat his enemy. Also he claims his trophy, but instead this time an even better one. As for the dragon Beowulf also goes to him for battle. In battle Beowulf does not prepare a plan to outwit his enemies. His plan was only to defeat his enemy. Beowulf is a man more of muscle than the mind. This a bit different later on as Beowulf has faith his men will help with the dragon. That in preparation, expecting the worst of the situation During his first battles Beowulf faces no fear. Though Beowulf is constantly facing death throughout the story.It is not until Beowulf faces the dragon that it daunts him that death really is a possibility this time. This evident when his sword breaks. “Fought with faith against him- him” lines 669-670. Which is another thing to take notice of that his men had come to accompany for this battle. During this other battles he was bare handed, he knew that this time it was necessary. He knew of the danger that the dragon showed. This precaution also displayed that Beowulf was aware of the consequences in this situation. Beowulf men were of no use they fled. Leaving only Wiglaf to help his dying king. Unlike the Battle with Grendel, Beowulf tore off his arm and the was his prize. To later instead take Grendel's head instead and the sword . This dire situation leaves concern for the future of the King. Once the battle with Grendel is over Beowulf is met with the fame that he craved.
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
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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 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
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.
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.
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 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
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
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.
In the beginning of the story, a mythical monster named Grendel who is attacking King Hrothgar’s mead hall Herot. When Beowulf hears of this tragedy, he volunteers to go and fight the mythical beast. The author wrote, “So Beowulf chose the mightiest men he could find the bravest and the best of the Geats, fourteen In all.” Once Beowulf arrives, he is given a feast and then decides to stay in Herot overnight to confront Grendel. Grendel then arrives and kills one of the Geats before Beowulf can get into the battle. Beowulf then goes hand-to-hand against Grendel and ends up tearing off Grendel’s shoulder. Grendel then retreats to his lair to die. This is only a mere example of why Beowulf is a hero.
His fame started out when he took the quest of defeating Grendel. The king’s men were being attacked and murdered by the beast, but no matter what they tried to do they couldn’t defeat him. When they heard that Beowulf was going to attempt to kill Grendel they were happy at the thought of the beast being dead, but they did not expect that Beowulf would be victorious. When Beowulf did manage to defeat him the king and his men were filled with gratitude towards Beowulf. This is how Beowulf’s name became popular and honored. He had the chance to gain more respect when the King and his men needed Grendel’s Mother dead. This quest seemed to be impossible because Beowulf had to go to Grendel’s Mother’s house at the bottom of a magical lake, but that was no problem for Beowulf. “He lept into the lake, would not wait for anyone’s answer; the heaving water covered him over. For hours he sank through the waves.” After waiting for hours the King’s men assumed Beowulf to be dead so they left in disappointment. Beowulf returned and surprised the men with his victory and became even more glorified than before, in fact he became their new king. After ruling for 50 years without any fighting, one final opponent threatened Beowulf and his people. This beast was the Dragon. No one thought that it would be possible to defeat the dragon because of how strong it was, but Beowulf
Beowulf is honored after Grendel and his mother’s defeat for his morality and willingness to help the king with his problem. He put aside the life he had at home and gave up everything so they were protected. Upon his return, everyone was praising him and lifting up the wondrous works and all that’d he’d done to protect them. Because of his respectable actions, Beowulf was rewarded for his true heroism. He becomes king over his people and ruled for the next fifty years.
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.