Supernatural Aid In Beowulf

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Beowulf the Hero of all Heros Beowulf an old english poem consisting of 3,182 lines tells a tale of an astonishing man named Beowulf. Beowulf surpases everything that Joseph Campbell defines as a hero in his Hero’s Journey Chart. Along with his natural strength he has other sources of help or characteristics that makes him a hero in Joseph Campbell's opinion. Those three sources include the separation, the supernatural aid he receives, and the challenges that he overcomes to return home. The separation comes when Beowulf leaves Geatland with the call of adventure to Denmark. The supernatural aid that gives him the power that he needs is God himself. After completing the other two aspects of Campbell’s chart Beowulf finally returns to his …show more content…

He is helped along in all of his battles by God. Beowulf states that this is the only supernatural aid that he needs. Therefore, God provides for him when Beowulf needs aid the most. An example of Beowulf's supernatural aid is when he is fighting Grendel's mother. He travels far away into the depths of a forbidden lake in search for her. When he finds her Beowulf attempts to cut at the flesh of the beast with Hrunting, but the blade is unable to pierce her skin. He then attempts to take on the beast just like he took on her son, with his bare hands. Unfortunately, this did not seem to work either as she matched him blow for blow. When all hope seemed lost Beowulf catches a glimpse of a mighty sword hanging on the cave wall. He takes the weapon and proceeds to decapitate the beast head. Beowulf makes claims that he would not be back in Hrothgar's presence if it had not been for God and his guidance. As he retails the legendary tale, he states “I’d have been dead at once,/ And the fight finished, the she-devil victorious, / If our Father in Heaven had not helped me.”(II. 1656-1658). Beowulf also states, “ Unferth's noble weapon, could do nothing, / Gives guidance to those who can find it from no one / Else. (II. 1659-1664). Beowulf seemingly is a indestructable human; he possess all of the qualities that a hero is made up

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