beowulf’s heroic journey - weeblybrugger.weebly.com/.../4/2014824/beowulfs_heroic_journey.pdf ·...
TRANSCRIPT
The Heroic Journey of Beowulf, the Great Geat
Call to Adventure E1: Hears the tales of Grendel’s raids
E2: Returns to mead hall, post-‐mother E3: Hears of dragon’s rampage
Refusal of the Call Beowulf never refuses the call—dude! Crossing of the Threshold E2: Going over the ocean to Denmark Supernatural Aid E2: The giant’s sword aids Beowulf in his
fight against Grendel’s mother Tests (with some failures, then turning points, then successes)
E1: Beowulf has to battle Grendel E2: Beowulf has to battle Grendel’s mom E3: Beowulf has to battle the dragon
Belly of the Whale/Beast E2: Under the lake fighting mom E3: Dragon’s lair
Helper/Guide (Rescue from Without) E2: Unferth lends sword E3: Wiglaf helps Beowulf kill dragon
The Ultimate Boon/Return with Elixir E3: Dragon’s treasure, which will sustain people
Atonement with the “Father” After E1: Hrothgar heaps praise, gifts given After E2: Beowulf returns to Geatland
and gives Hygelac gifts; Hygelac treats him as son, gives him vast estate
Apotheosis Died, cremated, molecularized, mythologized Beowulf lives on in the hearts of his people—legend lives forever
“The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek.” —Joseph Campbell