Comparing The Hero's Journey In The Lion King And Beowulf

A hero’s journey consists of many mythological/archetypal characteristics--such as the characters, settings, situations, and outcomes. As unique as both stories are, The Lion King and Beowulf are great works of the hero’s journey following the mythological/archetypal path. The Lion King and Beowulf both revolve around the hero and outcast of the story. The quest and outcome are also other important components of the mythological/archetypal path.
The hero in the epic poem Beowulf is the main character, Beowulf. He demonstrates heroic qualities as soon as the readers are introduced to his character. Beowulf proves himself to be courageous and brave by voluntarily fighting the “undefeatable” monster, Grendel. He is greatly admired by both the Danes and Geats for his courageous acts. Although his motivation is altered to only benefit himself with the title of the greatest warrior, his plan to save the Danes is greatly appreciated by all in the land. The hero in the children’s story The Lion King is the main character, Simba. Simba does not have the same upbringing as

Beowulf’s quest is something he takes on his own. He travels to Denmark to fight the monster, Grendel. His main priority was to protect Heorot. Beowulf used no weapons, risking his life, to protect a country not of his own. Because Beowulf is a hero, he did this with ease and no complaints. He carefully strategized his plan to defeat Grendel. He waited for Grendel to come to Heorot, then surprise attacked him. Grendel put up a fight, but Beowulf was stronger and more intelligent. Beowulf ripped the arm off of the beast, sending him away to die. Not only did Beowulf have to defeat Grendel, but Grendel’s mother came back for revenge, so Beowulf set out to the darkness where Grendel and his mother lived. Beowulf took on both Grendel and his mother with the intentions of saving the Danes, whether he survived or