Throughout history, the greatest works of poetry and prose have been centered around magnificent heroes who dare to achieve the impossible and save those in need. Joseph Campbell’s Monomyth in The Hero with a Thousand Faces details the common traits of a hero’s journey seen over time, displaying the striking similarities between stories with these courageous characters. While Campbell’s ideas about heroism are derived mostly from past literary works, they are not restricted to ancient stories with few modern connections. The common heroic story described in the Monomyth can be applied to both old heroes, such as the protagonist of the epic Beowulf, and more contemporary heroes, such as revolutionary activist Nelson Mandela.
To compare Beowulf
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and Mandela with the Monomyth, the stages described in the Monomyth in The Hero with a Thousand Faces must be understood. The first central point Campbell asserts about a hero’s quest is that it begins with the “departure” stage. In The Hero with a Thousand Faces, he states, “The usual hero adventure begins with someone from whom something has been taken, or who feels there is something lacking in the normal experience available or permitted to the members of society.” Campbell believes that a hero will recognize a need in society and set out to fulfill that need, possibly with help from a mentor or guide. The character will cross the first threshold into the unknown realm, and they will soon enter the “belly of the whale,” where they must release their old ways of thinking. In The Hero with a Thousand Faces, Campbell writes, “It is only when a man tames his own demons that he becomes the king of himself, if not of the world.” A hero will be able to control his destiny, as well as that of his society, only if he can overcome his own flaws. Then, the Monomyth claims, the “initiation” stage begins. The hero encounters a “road of trials,” where they are presented with various challenges. The hero is transformed by these trials and is ready to complete the most difficult battle to gain the “ultimate boon,” or goal. After doing so, they enter the final stage, the “return.” The hero brings back the boon, possibly hiding it from others, and they may need to be rescued as well. At the “crossing of the return threshold,” they encounter their final dangers and retain wisdom to share with others (The Hero with a Thousand Faces). Their old world is benefitted by their sacrifices and can live in peace (“The Power of Myth”). The elements Campbell writes about in his Monomyth are staples of a true hero, and they are found in both ancient warrior Beowulf and modern philanthropist Nelson Mandela. Beowulf is one of the most notable heroic tales currently to date. It is the exciting story of a strong warrior, Beowulf, who navigates through battles with evil demons, gigantic monsters, and a greedy, vicious dragon. Beowulf is an excellent example of the heroism described in the Monomyth. Beowulf does not have a singular journey in the epic; instead, he undergoes a series of adventures to save the Danes and his own people, the Geats. In the “departure” stage of Beowulf’s quest, his call to action occurs when he hears about the demon Grendel who is attacking King Hrothgar’s mead hall, Heorot. The epic states, “Then a bench was cleared in that banquet hall so the Geats could have room to be together and at the party sat, proud in their bearing, strong and stalwart.” Hrothgar gives aid with a feast. Queen Wealhtheow gives Beowulf a necklace as well. The “crossing of the first threshold” and the “belly of the whale” are seen when Beowulf and his men are waiting for Grendel in the mead hall. As the Monomyth states, they have completely left the safety of their world and are directly facing the dangerous unknown (Beowulf, 2000). The “initiation” stage begins with the road of trials.
This is marked by Beowulf’s victories over Grendel in the mead hall and Grendel’s mother in her underwater lair. Seamus Heaney’s translation of Beowulf explains, “Hrothgar returns to the hall and adopts Beowulf (symbolically) as a son.” This scene resembles the Monomyth’s explanation of the atonement with a male figure that a hero will achieve. The “ultimate boon” for Beowulf is both the large amount of treasure Hrothgar awards him and the noble status he has gained by saving the Danes. After receiving these gifts, Beowulf begins his “return” stage. This includes his transformation into a king, for when he arrives in Geatland, his admirable feats gain him enough respect to be crowned the ruler. In his “crossing of the return threshold,” Beowulf encounters his final danger in the form of the malicious dragon that threatens his kingdom, and he is aided by a loyal warrior named Wulfgar. When the dragon is slain, there is balance and freedom within the kingdom, which, the Monomyth asserts, is a common ending of many heroic tales. Beowulf is killed in his battle with the dragon and cannot return to his people, but Campbell claims this is still acceptable. He states, “Many of [the heroes] give their lives. But then the myth also says that out of the given life comes a new life. It may not be the hero's life, but it's a new life, a new way of being of becoming (“The Power of Myth”).” One does not have to reap the benefits of their work in order to gain the hero title – they may never get to see the fruits of their labor at all. Beowulf’s subjects were saved by his efforts; therefore, he was a great hero from their perspectives. Beowulf’s journey is an effective example of the common adventure described in Campbell’s Monomyth, and it remains one of the most well-crafted poems of its time (Beowulf,
2000). While the heroic formula explained in the Monomyth is clear in literature, it can also be applied to more modern subjects. One such figure is anti-apartheid activist Nelson Mandela. He was an essential fighter in the battle to end racism and segregation in South Africa (“Nelson Mandela”). Mandela’s “departure” stage began with his call to action. This occurred upon his realization of the racism and inequality present in South Africa, and he became determined to end these injustices. His first threshold occurred when he was studying at a university, as he began to get involved with protests and activism (“Biography of Nelson Mandela”). Displaying his dedication, he was once “sent home for participating in a boycott against university policies (“Nelson Mandela”).” Mandela entered the “belly of the whale” when he joined the African National Congress in 1944 (“Nelson Mandela Biography”). He was then a public figure with his outspoken ideas, and he could not return to silence. Mandela’s “initiation” took place over many years. His trials came through his protests and marches against racism, such as one that fought against South African laws that restrict travel of black citizens (“Nelson Mandela”). In 1963, Mandela was convicted of high treason and sentenced to life in prison on Robben Island (“Nelson Mandela Biography”). This event can be paired with the “innermost cave” or “apotheosis” stage in the Monomyth, as Mandela’s strength in his beliefs was tested while he was in prison. He stayed true to his ideas, and it was recorded that he even “served as a mentor to his fellow prisoners, encouraging them to seek better treatment through nonviolent resistance (“Biography of Nelson Mandela”).” He was so dedicated to his cause that he chose to teach prison inmates about it, if only they could see the value in nonviolent efforts (“Biography of Nelson Mandela”). In Mandela’s “return,” his “rescue from without” is given by the citizens of South Africa who relentlessly fought for his release from prison. When he was free, he became a wise ruler of the South Africans. As a biography claims, Mandela “was sworn in as the first black president of South Africa (“Nelson Mandela”).” As their first elected president, Mandela brought peace and justice to the country, another heroic trait in the Monomyth. Mandela’s heroism in advancing the culture of South Africa is unparalleled by any of his time, and his journey shows striking connections with the Monomyth’s heroic elements. Joseph Campbell presents an extensive description of a hero’s journey in his Monomyth in The Hero with a Thousand Faces, but this archetype seems to fit many figures extraordinarily well. It has been proven to adhere to the traits of ancient literary characters as well as modern saviors, demonstrating the affinity of all people towards hopeful stories of bravery and adventure. From the timeless tale Beowulf to the pivotal activist Nelson Mandela, the Monomyth is a reliable template for heroes across centuries.
Beowulf’s fight against the dragon shows Beowulf as a hero. Although Beowulf had previously defeated two other foes, he stands fast and fights his most formidable foe yet, the dragon. Dragons were notoriously difficult to kill, and the poem states that it was a great man, who could kill a dragon, even if it meant losing one's life. While others cower away Beowulf fights the dragon. Beowulf defeats the dragon but loses his life in the same instance. Like the classical hero Beowulf loses his special status in death. Beowulf sought no compensation for his services; the mere satisfaction of helping others was pay enough. Like his two previous battles Beowulf fights for those who could not fight for themselves.
Some people are born to be heroes. Some people may be forgotten heroes. Some people are born not to be heroes at all. In ways they are similar and in some ways they are different. John Campbell’s Hero’s Journey Monomyth shows the certain stages that a hero would traditionally go through to be qualified as a hero. Elie Wiesel is not a monomyth hero, because he does not follow the correct steps and does not hit enough steps to be considered a monomythic hero.
“If the battle takes me, send back this breast-webbing that Weland fashioned and Hrethel gave me, to Lord Hygelac. Fate goes ever as fate must.” Of course we see kings all the time in most novels. Beowulf, the character was supposed to advanced and become one of the strongest men alive. But at the end he fails, we learn that he dies and at last he wasn't really that big. But a doom in a story it's more heart pounding. Especially when a son gets taken away from his father. The call to action. In "Beowulf" the call to action is when the character Beowulf is called in by King Hrothgar. He is brought in to be talked to. Hrothgar's kingdom in the Danes (Denmark) is pounced by the villain/monster of Grendel. Now it is Beowulf's responsibility. The weight on Beowulf's shoulders is to go find Grendel, Grendel's mother and the forever lasting fire breathing dragon. We can relate to the quote above because us readers assume that he will defeat all three and be the best of the best. But Beowulf himself doesn't believe his own lies. He boasts' about him declaring he has the required skills to defeat all three enemies. At
The mold of the heroic template is evident throughout various types of media. Within movies, novels, and poems the hero’s journey is present. Of course, not every piece of literature or movie follows the cycle. However, the idea of the monomyth arose from Joseph Campbell. He wrote his own book, The Hero of a Thousand Faces, within his writing he describes that heroes’ follow the same basic procedure throughout their quest(s). This is where the idea of the hero monomyth arose. In Michael Lewis’s novel, The Blind Side, he portrays “The heroic monomyth.” The Blind Side consists of the basic characters and archetypes that accurately reflect the heroic template.
Early in the poem, Beowulf hears accounts of Grendel’s destruction of Herot, Hrothgar’s majestic mead hall. Knowing his strength and military prowess, Beowulf immediately devises a plan, recruits men, and orders boats, thrusting himself into a battle that was not necessarily his to fight. Beowulf felt obligated to end Grendel’s reign of terror. Though he knew the death of Grendel would bring him fame and honor, the idealized Beowulf was able to set aside personal ambition in order to end the suffering of the Danes. Shortly after slaying Grendel, Beowulf again displays an awareness of duty when Grendel’s mother extracts revenge upon Herot, killing one of Hrothgar’s best men, Aeshere. Instead of leaving Herot in a state of frenzy, Beowulf comes to King Hrothgar’s side, pledging allegiance and service. Bolstering the defeated king’s moral, Beowulf boldly addresses the older King Hrothgar saying, “So arise, my lord, and let us immediately set forth on the trail of this troll-dam. I guarantee you: she will not get away, not to dens under ground nor upland groves nor the ocean floor. She’ll have nowhere to fall to. Endure your troubles to-day. Bear up and be the man I expect you to be.” Beowulf could not set aside his duty and obligation, though he knew full well the suffering and pain that might result from his actions. Thus, Beowulf is a portrait of
The character of Beowulf stands as a hero to the ancient Danes because of his actions. He is constantly being cited as a "war-chief" and a "gold-giver" (61). Beowulf has achieved fame through what he has done with his own hands. His identity as a leader is based upon the Danish society’s emphasis on personal action, as opposed to the delegation of responsibility through conscious thought. It is this very sense which spurs Beowulf to fight the dragon: "In my youth I engaged in many wars. Old guardian of the people, I shall still seek battle, perform a deed of fame, if the evil-doer will come to me..." (59). Beowulf derives his power from a strong link to the past. Without his history of glorious deeds, he would see himself bereft of the very power which qualifies him to be a good King. Beowulf’s bravery never comes in to question, he does meet every challenge head-on, with deadly attention. The society which labels Beowulf as a legendary hero, recognizes his actions and his bravery as a integral part of his definition as a hero. Without the society to support th...
Knowing that the sword is powerful enough to cut the skin of Grendel’s mother, Beowulf slays her and brings the sword and the head of the mother to Hrothgar, and he rewards Beowulf with more gifts and another feast. Once Beowulf returns home, he then tells his lord about his adventures and gives him all of the rewards that he received from Hrothgar for successfully defeating Grendel and his mother. His lord, then gave him rewards such as a new golden sword that belonged to Beowulf's father and grandfather, and some land and houses. In addition, Beowulf was to have the crown after the death of his lord and the lord’s son. Fifty years after Beowulf first became king, in Geatland a dragon was awakened by a slave who discovered the path to his tower by accident.
Grendel represents Paganism. The killing of Grendel and his mother, represents the ending of Paganism and the beginning of Christianity. The cause of Beowulf’s pride and self-centered personality may come from the belief in the afterlife. Literary critic, Alfred Bammesberger supports this claim by stating, “The poem focuses on the royal glory… on the heroic achievements of Beowulf” (Bammesberger). All glory would carry over into the afterlife, meaning that the deeds that he performs will follow him into the afterlife. All the conflicts come back to those beliefs. In addition, Beowulf displays characteristics of pure pride, as well as carelessness, while battling the external conflicts which leads to his death. To conclude, “Beowulf” has many distinct conflicts and even more hidden meanings and
Beowulf’s life was truly epic struggle. The monsters he battled made it so. Grendel and the dragon, capable of crushing men physically, stood for evils that could just as easily crush men in spirit. These two beasts represented society’s greatest fears, as well as detriments, and Beowulf fearlessly took them on. Grendel taught the hero a valuable lesson about maintaining one’s humanity in a world dominated by the dogs of war. The dragon, showed Beowulf’s mortality, his imperfection, but the hero eradicates it nonetheless, saving his people from not only physical threat, but sin. Bringing in such spiritual and moral dimensions, these two beasts certainly give the story of Beowulf depth.
Beowulf was a true hero, in the eyes of many, through said traits. He fought a number of battles and was triumphant in all, except his last battle. Beowulf possessed the skills and power necessary to kill Grendel, the monster who had been terrorizing the Danes for over a decade, with his bare hands. While fighting, Beowulf detached Grendel’s arm from his shoulder, which was later hung up as a trophy. Beowulf eventually put an end to Grendel’s life, and naturally, Grendel’s mother had pursued Beowulf. Although Grendel’s mother was an even deadlier monster than her son, Beowulf once again proved his abilities by slaying her, as well. He slashed her neck with a sword that carried unbearable weight. Afterwards, he carried her head with only his own arms, while it took the a...
Beowulf’s fight against the dragon shows Beowulf as a hero. Although Beowulf had previously defeated two other foes, he stands fast and fights his most formidable foe yet, the dragon. Dragons were notoriously difficult to kill, and the poem states that it was a great man, who could kill a dragon, even if it meant losing one's life. While others cower away Beowulf fights the dragon. Beowulf defeats the dragon but loses his life in the same instance. Like the classical hero Beowulf loses his special status in death. Beowulf sought no compensation for his services; the mere satisfaction of helping others was pay enough. Like his two previous battles Beowulf fights for those who could not fight for themselves.
Throughout the story, Beowulf fights three battles against frightening monsters. Beowulf, the prince of the Geats, was a well known warrior with extreme strength who makes a promise to protect his people under any circumstance. In the poem, his strength is tested, but he uses it to save many people in battles against: Grendel, Grendel 's mother, and a dragon. Before, during, and after each of these battles Beowulf shows many similarities and differences in his actions.
Beowulf feels a sense of loyalty to Hrothgar which leads Beowulf “…to sail the swan’s road and search out that king, / the famous prince who needed defenders” against the marauding monster, Grendel (200-201). Beowulf’s generosity leads him to Hrothgar’s mead-hall to save Hrothgar from the clutches of Grendel. Regardless of fate and lineage, Beowulf is driven by forces out of his control. It is true that the qualities of an Anglo-Saxon warrior drives Beowulf to become the hero he is, but his lineage and fate define his
In Beowulf’s younger years, he personified all of the best values of the heroic culture when saving another kingdom from their demons. Beowulf’s willingness to sacrifice his life in order to save strangers his father owed a debt to is quite selfless. His bravery comes into play when he remains unchanged in his resolve even after hearing of all the King’s men and subjects slain by the beast.
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.