Archetypes In Beowulf

The use of archetypes in literature has a rich history, and the epic poem "Beowulf" is a testament to this tradition. One of the most notable archetypes found in the poem is the Quest archetype, which is a journey taken by the hero in search of something valuable. In "Beowulf," the Quest archetype is used to develop the theme of heroism and the struggle between good and evil. Showed throughout the quest with the decendent’s of cain.

The archetype of hero is a literary character that is all-round good. He or she will save other people, do the right thing, protect that is good and they will fight any monster that comes to his or her way. They are one of the basic paradigms in tales and mythology from across the world, but especially in European culture. For example, the hero archetype starts from Achilles until Beowulf via superheros such as Superman and other 1980s action

In the epic poem Beowulf, the theme good vs. evil guides Beowulf through his many endeavors and conquests. This theme shows the different values of Beowulf and helps supplement the reasons for Beowulf’s actions throughout the poem. The author uses situational, symbolic, and character archetypes to enhance the plot of the poem and to provide justification for the themes of the epic poem. The situational archetype and theme good vs. evil is a major driving force behind Beowulf’s actions in the poem.

Grendel had being killing and terrorizing Hrothgar’s people. The news of Grendel had travel to the land of the Geats and Beowulf had come to provide assistance to Hrothgar. One day after Beowulf and Grendel’s fight, where Beowulf tears off the demons’ arm, the monster’s mother came to vengeance her son’s death. She was also defeated and killed by Beowulf, for which he received many gifts and praise by Hrothgar and his wife Wealhtheow.

Beowulf has been known for who his father is. Everywhere he goes the first thing he tells people is who his father is and what his father has accomplished. “My father was a famous soldier, known far and wide as a leader of men. His name was Edgetho.” (pg. 46).

King Hrothgar’s response was excitement as he hear stories of Beowulf’s father Ecgtheow as he would reward and bring him treasures. As he sees him as one of the most powerful man, he welcomes his coming and the Geats as they talk about the Grendel and how he would attack the monster. However, they begin to celebrate his coming with a feast that showed that King Hrothgar shows respect for Beowulf and his willingness to defeat Grendel.

The story tells of many characters who faced the same circumstances as Beowulf, yet failed to respond in a similar and valiant effort, like Beowulf. For example, when facing the dragon nearly all of his hand picked soldiers coward in fear. Beowulf then showed humility by turning down his first offer to be king. When Hrothgar died, he offered Beowulf the throne; however, he refused, which allowed the rightful heir, Hrothgar’s son to be placed into power. This decision exemplifies the value he placed on ethics and honor.

He takes out his loneliness on the prosperous hall of the Danes. The news of Grendel terrorizing the kingdom became a tale overseas, which is how Beowulf hears of Grendel and his acts. The kingdom had not received successful help, and Beowulf believes that he is capable of helping and takes this as his calling. After the call in a Hero Quest, the hero must make a decision.

He defeated the monster, which raided the hall built by the king of the Danes. Later on, Beowulf becomes king of the Geats. He at last dies a heroic

Beowulf attempted to comfort Hrothgar and the warriors by exclaiming, “Let your sorrow end! It is better for us all to avenge our friends, not mourn them forever”. He then aims to convince Hrothgar that “for the glory of his name, fame after death is the noblest of goals”. Beowulf believes it is worth dying for a good

Hrothgar throws another celebration for the young Hero’s actions, but at this gathering in the mead hall Beowulf gives word that he thinks it is time for he and his men to return home. The encounter with Grendel’s mother made Beowulf realize he is not invincible and that one day, perhaps, his victories may not result in his victory. Thus, Beowulf announces he will soon return back to the land of the

Grendel starts attacking hrothgar’s mead hall every night. Hrothgar was a great warrior but he is an old king now and can’t protect his people like he use to be able too. So he finds a great warrior that can do his work named Beowulf that is able to fight and protect the people. Beowulf goes to the herot hall from his land overseas to give a helping hand to king hrothgar. Beowulf ends up offering to even fight the demon grendel himself hands to hands.

In the bible he murdered his own brother, because he was jealous of God favoring him. In Beowulf he is the ancestor of Grendel, his mother, and the dragon. He is known for this, because he is thought of as Satan and they believe Grendel and the dragon were born from Satan. They all had the same reasoning for fighting, which was

Near the end of his life as a king, Beowulf found that his citizens were being terrorized by a dragon. Although he was old and grizzled, the king took it on in battle. He showed tremendous courage even when knowing the odds were not in his favor. Previously, during his time in Denmark, Beowulf killed Grendel’s mother with the sword made for a giant. This showed his superhuman strength because as an ordinary human being Beowulf was able to handle and control the giant’s sword.

Very little is known about the epic poem Beowulf besides that the story was told during the Anglo-Saxon period, specifically between the years 500-1100. The author is unknown, due to the fact that the story was originally told verbally and not documented until much later. Like many stories told throughout the ages, Beowulf consists of many archetypes. An archetype is a recurring symbol found in literature, such as the Hero archetype. In this epic poem, the hero, Beowulf, travels from his homeland to Denmark to save a kingdom from an awful beast that has been attacking men late at night for over twelve years.