The Hero Quest In The Epic Of Beowulf

The story of Beowulf is one of the most well-known works of literature that is written in the Old English language. Beowulf took place in England in the nation that is now known as Denmark. Beowulf was originally a poem that was developed by the Anglo-Saxons in the middle of the seventh century to the late tenth century. As well as many other fictional writings, Beowulf provides many examples of following mythological/archetypal monomyth.

There are six categories of the monomyth. The six categories include: the call, the decision, the preparation, the obstacles, the climax, and the return. In Beowulf’s time, he managed to conquer three parts of the hero quest. In following these steps, Beowulf managed to follow the mythological/archetypal hero quest efficiently and effectively.

The first part of the hero quest was when Beowulf fought the demonic monster known as Grendel. Beowulf hears about Grendel and accepts the challenge to defeat him. He spends the evening in the mead hall awaiting the arrival of Grendel. When Grendel appears, he attempts to snatch Beowulf; he fails. Beowulf grabs Grendel by his arm with his bare hands and rips off the monster’s arm with ease. Grendel is fatally injured and runs back to his den.

The second part of the hero quest was when Beowulf fought Grendel’s mother who killed Hrothgar’s best companion during the night. Beowulf dresses in heavy chainmail and brings along the sword that Unferth gives to him as a gift. He dives into the depths of the