Beowulf: The Hero’s Journey
What does it take to be an epic hero? Grant Wiggins’ “Beowulf” details the perspective of what it takes to be an epic hero.Throughout his story he follows by a outline “The Hero’s Journey” designed by Joseph Campbell,by using this Wiggins gave the following stages of the Hero’s Journey: Call to Adventure,Supernatural aid, Crossing Threshold, Tests, Allies, Enemies, Approach, Ordeal, Reward, Road Back, Resurrection Hero, and Return.These stages is what gives the view of Beowulf’s challenges and struggles he fought through to protect his kingdom. The call of Beowulf’s adventure: One day Beowulf,prince of the Geats and strongest man heard about the chaos Grendel caused during the night of Geatland;and knew he …show more content…
Approach: When Beowulf defeats Grendel and upset mother becomes very upset and angry,therefore Beowulf now has another challenge he needs to face.Beowulf begun this challenge by jumping into the lake of Grendel’s mother, “As his words ended he leaped into the lake,would not wait for anyone’s answer;the heaving water covered him over”(pg.53).By giving this quote Wiggins shows the integrity or greed of Beowulf was wanting for a victory.Following, “Sinking for hours through the waves;at last he saw the mud of the bottom” Wiggins stated (pg.53).The citation emphasizes Beowulf’s approach.When Beowulf arrived,she welcomed him in her claws,grasped at him savagely but couldn't harm him,trying to get her fingers through the tight-fitted Ring-woven mail on his chest,but scratched in vain.Then she carried Beowulf,his armor and sword and all,to her home;he struggled to release his weapon,and failed.When Beowulf finally had got out his sword he struck at her head, but noticed that it didn't cause any harm to her beastly skin the sword was useless for him at this point.Wiggins state, “They wrestled,she ripped and tore and clawed at him,bit holes in his helmet, and that too failed him; for the first time in years of being worn to war it would earn no glory; it was the last time anyone would wear it.But Beowulf longed only for fame,leaped back into battle”(pg.54).Wiggins illustrates how difficult the battle is beginning to be but Beowulf still strives for the victory.As the battle …show more content…
“He sought Hrothgar to salute him and show him Grendel’s head”(Wiggins).By Wiggins quoting this,he illustrates the heroic background of Beowulf.Lastly of the great anglo-saxon epic journey is his return home. The Return:By the end of this epic,Beowulf successfully defeated Grendel,Grendel’s mother,and the fire-breathing dragon.He worked hard as he could to keep the Danes and Geats protected,But unfortunately after the battles,Beowulf had got older and lost his life.Ker states “Beowulf,the hero, is after all something different from giant-killer of popular stories,the dragon slayer of the romantic schools.”This quote details the different qualities of Beowulf being different to other heroes and their journeys.
Beowulf is an amazing example of an Anglo-Saxon hero because he embodies the qualities of being brave,honest,loyal,and
What does it take to be an epic hero? Grant Wiggins’ “Beowulf” details the perspective of what it takes to be an epic hero.Throughout his story he follows by a outline “The Hero’s Journey” designed by Joseph Campbell,by using this Wiggins gave the following stages of the Hero’s Journey: Call to Adventure,Supernatural aid, Crossing Threshold, Tests, Allies, Enemies, Approach, Ordeal, Reward, Road Back, Resurrection Hero, and Return.These stages is what gives the view of Beowulf’s challenges and struggles he fought through to protect his kingdom. The call of Beowulf’s adventure: One day Beowulf,prince of the Geats and strongest man heard about the chaos Grendel caused during the night of Geatland;and knew he …show more content…
Approach: When Beowulf defeats Grendel and upset mother becomes very upset and angry,therefore Beowulf now has another challenge he needs to face.Beowulf begun this challenge by jumping into the lake of Grendel’s mother, “As his words ended he leaped into the lake,would not wait for anyone’s answer;the heaving water covered him over”(pg.53).By giving this quote Wiggins shows the integrity or greed of Beowulf was wanting for a victory.Following, “Sinking for hours through the waves;at last he saw the mud of the bottom” Wiggins stated (pg.53).The citation emphasizes Beowulf’s approach.When Beowulf arrived,she welcomed him in her claws,grasped at him savagely but couldn't harm him,trying to get her fingers through the tight-fitted Ring-woven mail on his chest,but scratched in vain.Then she carried Beowulf,his armor and sword and all,to her home;he struggled to release his weapon,and failed.When Beowulf finally had got out his sword he struck at her head, but noticed that it didn't cause any harm to her beastly skin the sword was useless for him at this point.Wiggins state, “They wrestled,she ripped and tore and clawed at him,bit holes in his helmet, and that too failed him; for the first time in years of being worn to war it would earn no glory; it was the last time anyone would wear it.But Beowulf longed only for fame,leaped back into battle”(pg.54).Wiggins illustrates how difficult the battle is beginning to be but Beowulf still strives for the victory.As the battle …show more content…
“He sought Hrothgar to salute him and show him Grendel’s head”(Wiggins).By Wiggins quoting this,he illustrates the heroic background of Beowulf.Lastly of the great anglo-saxon epic journey is his return home. The Return:By the end of this epic,Beowulf successfully defeated Grendel,Grendel’s mother,and the fire-breathing dragon.He worked hard as he could to keep the Danes and Geats protected,But unfortunately after the battles,Beowulf had got older and lost his life.Ker states “Beowulf,the hero, is after all something different from giant-killer of popular stories,the dragon slayer of the romantic schools.”This quote details the different qualities of Beowulf being different to other heroes and their journeys.
Beowulf is an amazing example of an Anglo-Saxon hero because he embodies the qualities of being brave,honest,loyal,and