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Examples Of Archetypes In Beowulf

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In the early medieval ages, the spread of Christianity greatly influenced the Germanic ideals. One can see this drastic transition in character while reading and comparing the books of Beowulf and King Arthur. Although the story archetypes remain the same for the most part, the archetypes reflect the different ideals of the different time periods. Archetypes such as the hunting group of companions and quest still hold significance, but reflect different ideals. The ideals of the Germanic peoples of Northern Europe drastically change as Christianity moves across the region, and the traditional story Archetypes reflect this change in cultural ideals. In Beowulf, the Hunting Group of Companions archetype expresses the heritage-based Germanic …show more content…

His thanes and companions also show a strong sense of loyalty to their king as well. The fact that Beowulf even talks to them or gives a speech to them before the battle shows how much respect he has for his companions. He does not treat them as if they were below him. Instead, he treats them like brothers and addresses them dearly before their final battle. The companions also exert "Comitatus" to their fellow tribesman by following him into a fight that could very well be their last. After the dragon made all the other "troops break ranks and run for their lives," Wiglaf "is ready to enter the line of battle with his Lord," (Haney 2598, 2625). The weak blood-based bond of Comitatus has broken, and the troops have abandoned Beowulf. Wiglaf is the only warrior who shows true Comitatus. Wiglaf becomes the perfect companion and a shining example of "Comitatus". All of the other troops lack Comitatus and run away out of fear for their lives. They show no respect for their king. Wiglaf becomes an outlier among his brethren, by choosing to stay with Beowulf even when faced with almost certain death. After learning that the "man who smote him from his horse was Gallahad," Sir Percivle "never again… feels envy towards Sir Gallahad," because he

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