Beowulf Hero's Journey

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The hero’s journey is a narrative pattern that is found in a great deal of media across various cultures. Joshua Campbell made this idea come to life. The hero’s journey is also known and interchangeable with the monomyth. This formula for writing was developed based on seventeen stages Campbell noticed in many heroes’ journeys to heroism. As this style of writing has spread, many characters have formed with it. The poem Beowulf fits the characteristics of Joseph Campbell's monomyth pattern. Joseph Campbell detected commonalities in stories in many parts of cultures, which led him to develop the concept of the "monomyth" or "hero's journey." This narrative unfolds in three principal stages: Departure, Initiation, and Return. Each stage is saturated …show more content…

Which then leads Hrothgar to ask for help. Beowulf, a young German warrior known for his great deal of strength, readily accepted the challenge. He willfully voyages across the sea to Denmark, leaving a safe place in the unknown. These two actions, the call to adventure and crossing the threshold, both correspond to the monomyth's first stage: the departure. The second stage of the monomyth is the initiation. In this phase, the hero faces challenges and tests, undergoes transformation, and acquires knowledge or treasure. In the poem, Beowulf faces a series of challenges and tests throughout his journey. He first confronts Grendel in a vicious battle, where his strength and resilience lead to Grendel’s defeat. He then dives into the dark deep sea to confront Grendel's mother and her sea monster. This underwater battle tests his courage and resourcefulness, ultimately leading to his victory. He is rewarded with everyone considering him a savior of the kingdom. Beowulf returns home to Geatland, which corresponds to the third and final stage of the monomyth; the …show more content…

This completes the monomyth transformation. The story of Beowulf does not perfectly fulfill all the characteristics of the monomyth. In the poem, Beowulf readily accepts the challenge of fighting Grendel. This goes against one of the characteristics of the monomyth, the refusal to accept the call. In modern hero stories, the hero called upon displays some initial reluctance or fear. However, Beowulf’s deviation from the monomyth can be explained by the Anglo-Saxon period when this poem was written. This shows his strong heroism, which was very important to Anglo-Saxons, a culture starting in the year 450. Beowulf is a Geatish warrior, he follows the path, from answering the call to adventure, facing fearsome battles, and returning a victorious hero. Being that the poem is from the Anglo-Saxon period it has a unique cultural context, but follows the stages of the monomyth. The poem has many of the characteristics that are part of the monomyth’s main stages of Departure, Initiation, and Return. The poem’s Anglo-Saxon period influence enhances Beowulf as a hero while still fitting the

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