An archetype can be described as “the original pattern or model from which all things of the same kind are copied or on which they are based; a model or first form; prototype” (dictionary.com). In literature, most stories contain universal archetypes from original stories. The epic poem Beowulf, an oral poem from the Anglo-Saxon people, uses common archetypes throughout the poem that can be related to a multitude of later literature. Beowulf demonstrates archetypes such as good vs. evil, the hero’s journey, and villains throughout the story. The poem Beowulf embodies the universal archetype of good vs. evil. This is first exemplified when Grendel enters the story to wreak havoc in Hrothgar’s kingdom. The narrator describes the night of …show more content…
Grendel is a descendent of Cain, who in the Bible is considered the bane of humans. Being one of Cain descendants, he is evil by blood. Grendel may be considered the personification of evil itself in the epic poem, killing Hrothgar’s men and terrorizing the town. Another good example that adds to the archetype of good and evil is Beowulf and his dedication to slay Grendel. Beowulf speaks this promise to Hrothgar: “I meant to perform to the uttermost / What your people wanted or perish in the attempt, / in the fiend's clutches. And I shall fulfill that purpose, / Prove myself with a proud deed / or meet my death here in the mead-hall” (634-638). Beowulf displays his selflessness and devotion to fighting for what is right and helping a land that is not his own or die protecting Hrothgar’s people. Beowulf is a perfect example of the brave, selfless, honorable hero who is considered the good, going to defeat the evil. The last good example of this archetype is when Beowulf and Grendel fight in the mead hall. The narrator describes the scene: “Venturing closer, / his talon was raised to attack Beowulf / where he lay on the bed; he was bearing in / with open claw when the alert hero's / comeback …show more content…
In the YouTube video, “What makes a hero? - Matthew Winkler”, It explains that all heroes are the same, as well as the journey they take. The cycle of the hero stated in the video is: Status quo, call to adventure, assistance, departure, trials, approach, crisis, treasure, result, return to ordinary world, new life, resolution (Ted-ed). Beowulf uses the archetype of the hero’s journey, which includes a call to adventure, assistance, trials, treasure, and new life. Beowulf’s call to adventure as described by the narrator, is: “When he heard about Grendel, Hygelac’s thane / Was on home ground, over in Geatland. / There was no one else like him alive. / In his day, he was the mightiest man on earth, / High-born and powerful. He ordered a boat / That would ply the waves. He announced his plan: / To sail the swan’s roads and search out that king, / The famous prince who needed defenders” (Heaney 194-201). Right away, Beowulf acknowledges that he is needed to defeat the demon, and accepts the call. Beowulf receives a lot of assistance from warriors, but the main source of help Beowulf receives is from God. This is shown in Beowulf’s final words before he battles Grendel: And may the Divine Lord / In His wisdom grant victory / To whichever side He sees fit.” (685-687). What Beowulf states illustrates his complete trust and faith in God and his plan, and he understands that his strength comes from God and all his accomplishments
Beowulf exemplifies the concept of good and evil. It includes the archetypical hero who battles multiple monsters and faces struggles along the way. Even though Beowulf is thousands of years old, the theme of good vs evil is still seen in modern literature, on television, and in many other places. Good vs evil is seen in many places in the present time period, especially in superhero comics and movies.
Beowulf is obviously an archetypal hero, being one of the first heros created in a writing. In Beowulf there is a hero, outcast/scapegoat, and many symbols. Beowulf is the hero because he is
Beowulf The heroism of Beowulf was exemplified in two separate phases: (i) youth; and (ii) age. It was also illustrated on three separate conflicts with Grendel, Grendel’s mother, and the dragon (SparkNotes). It was through these encounters that Beowulf has been molded into a hero. His years of being youth depicted his character of being an unfettered warrior and his mature years, on the other hand, portrayed that he is a reliable king (SparkNotes). These two phases in his life showed two different virtues which has been reflected as the story progresses and how Beowulf changed from a young man to a mature man full of vigor.
The poem features various monsters for Beowulf to defeat, Grendel, Grendel’s mother and the dragon. Monsters would generally be regarded as part of a pagan cult, but the Old Testament accepts note to similar demons. Beowulf exhibits different pagan concepts such as “wyrd” which play a role in the narrative. However they can be tied in with the elements of Christianity.
In the story of Beowulf, the hero, Beowulf, does not know about the issue until the call. In Beowulf the call is the acts of Grendel. Grendel is a descendant of the cursed son of Adam and Eve, Caine. In the bible, Caine kills his brother resulting in a curse brought upon by God. Due to this, Grendel lives a life of seclusion and rejection.
Beowulf speaks of his greatness and of his superiority and achievements in the hall as they feasted. That very night, Grendel came in hope of a
Beowulf is a poem that based in the 10th and 11th century that revolved around the idea of good vs evil. The poem is named after Beowulf who is a supernatural hero that slays any evil that crosses his path but is a real sweetheart when it comes to other people or the king. Beowulf is to be considered an epic poem because the hero in the story creates acts of being courageous and even superhuman in some cases, reflecting timeless values such as courage and honor, and the poem reflects unforgettable values with honor and courage. Typically in an epic poem, one will see a character or “the hero” who has outstanding courage and commit superhuman deeds and show values to other people in that era. “Then he drew himself up beside his shield./The fabled warrior in his warshirt and helmet/trusted in his own strength entirely/
Throughout the poem of Beowulf his resources used and those close to him eventually only fail him in the end. At first in the poem Beowulf only relies on himself and his own strength he even goes as far as to take on the monster Grendel with his bare hands and without the protection of armor he fights him as an equal he is so sure of himself that he lets the monster attack him first while “sleeping” one could argue that Beowulf’s main source of strength is his belief in himself and those around him believing in him as well. After his fight with Grendel there is almost a plot line for how his battles go. When he is about to fight Grendel’s mother he is worried and nervous this is seen by Beowulf telling the king that if he dies to take his remains
Not only have we seen brute strength, honorable courage, and admirable loyalty shine through beowulf, Beowulf also possess a great trait not many others have; his will to fight to the death, or self sacrifice. Not once throughout the story did Beowulf ever turn down a battle. Not once did he fear or flee his enemy. Not once did he ever give up even if death had him by the throat causing his mind to flood nothing but fearful thoughts and feelings throughout his body. Every battle Beowulf fought, he fought as if it was his last and that is what truly makes him the great warrior he is.
Everyone has a perspective on good and evil; the battle line between good and even runs through the heart. “Beowulf” illuminates characters that come from dark and deep backgrounds that construct their dauntless actions. In the heroic tale “Beowulf,” the author’s tones strongly demonstrates themes of loyalty, honor, and courage. Raffel’s tones remotely displays the act of loyalty within multiple characters. “Hail to these who will rise to God, drop off their dead bodies” (101).
Beowulf embodies many universal societal heroic values that are signified in the modern world like courage, bravery, and strength. In the poem, Beowulf displays courage. “Now, I mean to be a match for Grendel, settle the outcome in single combat” (Heaney 425-426). This quote shows courage because he’s telling them that he can fight Grendel and wants to weather he wins or loses.
The epic poem Beowulf may be the oldest surviving long poem in Old English and it is commonly cited as one of the most important works of Old English literature. There are still heroes of Beowulf's basic type today. Some heroes in popular culture act basically like Beowulf even though they were created over a thousand years later, even though they may act very differently from Beowulf. In the movie, Stars Wars, Luke Skywalker has many similarities to Beowulf and their heroism. From the start, Beowulf showed hero characteristics.
Mythological or Archetypal philosophy has been around for centuries and is used across numerous cultures. Carl Jung, a close colleague of Sigmund Freud, defined the word archetype as “a figure...that repeats itself in the course of history wherever creative fantasy is fully manifested.” Archetypes can come in various forms: characters, images, and situations. Though many different forms of archetypes appear in the tale of Beowulf, specifically, the archetypal character roles of the hero and the outcast are major aspects of the story. The role of the hero is a popularly recognizable element of many stories.
The definition of a true hero is very subjective as people have their own opinions on what makes someone a hero. Some people might consider someone who does the right thing a hero, for some it may be people who fight for their country. The characteristics of a hero might vary, but in the epic “Beowulf,” Beowulf is sought out to be the hero because of three main traits; his noble cause, code of honor, and his strength and courage. Each of these traits makes up the hero he is portrayed to be. One of the first qualities described in the epic is the act of a noble cause.
Grendel was this grim beast who haunted the moors and secluded fens; this troublesome one had long lived with monsters since the Creator had declared his exile. Grendel had been punished and separated from the company of man and God through the sins of Cain. Being a descendant from Cain, Grendel is full of evil and deceitfulness. This fuels his hatred, and a desire to destroy goodness from the world of which he can have no part in. His first night of violent attacks was describe as “The unholy creature, grim and ravenous, was ready at once, ruthless and cruel, and took from their thirty thanes; thence