The Heroes Journey:
Beowulf
Beowulf, (anglo saxon poem) by an Christian monk, translated by Burton Raffel has been passed down by the
centuries. People first looked at the story for a sense of history- an inside look to the beliefs and customs of ancient
Vikings. But now Beowulf no only offers that people have discovered it’s rich literal ways; a clear vivid example of
the Heros Journey (The hero's journey having a huge impact on the meaning of the poem). Some being stronger
than others such as: Test and Allies, The Supreme Ordeal and The Resurrection..There is many theories on why
the poem was written, one being to achieve hero status from his example. Manifesting mainly on Test & Allies, The
Supreme Ordeal and The Resurrection, Beowulf shows that any person, along with his or her fate; following these
examples can become themselves an epic hero. The heros journey, itself is key to portray him not as a hero but an
epic hero.
The fact that the heros journey is so present (vivid in the writing) gives it a deeper meaning than merely a song of a
super human. It gives it purpose, highlights those qualities that take you from human to Epic Hero. It shows you
how any person could do it, whether it be fate (yes, in Beowulf’s case) or simply an accident. It shows you clearly
how one would act in valor. For Beowulf it was key to show that he accepted his fate, that he would not back out (a
willing hero) which is why; step three of the heros journey (refusal to the call) is non present. It was important in
this poem for him to set aside any fears from the beginning that way the purpose would be clear and/or stronger.
Beowulf, himself, never had a mentor (Step 4-The Mentor) reflecting strongly that with his own strength, both
physically and mentally anything could be accomplished. But where the heros journey may be “lacking” it excels in
others.
One of the standouts, was the presence of the Test and Allies. Beowulf has not one, but many of each. The Test
and Allies, are those who helped him (allies), his foes (enemies) and of course the test’s he must overcome before
he is prepared for the “big” event in which the final battle is fought. Some examples of his allies were KIng
Hrothgar, Wiglaf, his other 11 men, and the Queen,Welthow. One example showing this with the king, “He went to
Beowulf, embrace the Geats brave prince, wished him well, and hoped That Herod would be to his
command.”(382-384) another one for him and Wiglaf “ And Wiglaf, his heart heavy, uttered The kind words his
comrades deserved...I'd rather burn myself than see Flames burn at his flesh.”(762-779). His enemies were the evil
descendants of Cain, the beast Grendel,his gruesome mother and the disturbed dragon. The mother and son
being the test’s that prepared him for the final battle.Having this step so highlighted gave you a sense of going
through his life in a somewhat vicariously manner. The friends gave him human what qualities, the enemies did
too. The tests making a supreme ordeal more achievable. That way it’s something people could aim to achieve,
making the impossible closer to home.
The step of Resurrection, tough occurring out of order. Also has a strong presence in the story. Beowulf rides way
for home, with him taking not only goals but victory and fame he has defeated the monster Grendel. The arm
hanging from the hall as a reminder, a trophy remind of his victorious duel. Then after another victorious battle,
this time with the monster beastly mother he finds him not dead but fatally wounded. The job has to be finished. “
He was hunting another dead monster, and took his weapon with him..then struck his head with with a single swift
blow. The body jerked for the last time then lay still.”(Stanza 651-665). This part needed to be significant to really
get a feel that anything thrown at you like the bizarre resurrection of a defeated foe can happen at anytime. But
that it can be overcome it shows determination and perseverance, traits of an epic hero.
Another well known, and highly remembered part of the heros journey is the Supreme ordeal. It’s the battle
everyone will remember. The step that a person could find/point out. Its what the hero is always linked at. At this
point in time you see Beowulf as a willing hero, he goes with fate, even if it means dying. " I"d use no sword, no
weapon, if the beast could be killed without it, crushed to death like Grendel, gripped in my hands and torn limb
from limb. But his breath will be burning hot, poison will pour from his tongue. I feel no shame, with shield and
sword and armor, against this monster: when he comes to me I mean to stand, not run from his shooting flames,
stand still like fate decides which of us wins.my heart is firm, my hands calm: I need not hot words. Wait for me
close"(670-680) He does what every hero does, protect his people no cost to high. “Then Beowulf rose, still brave,
still strong, and with his shield at his side, and a mail shirt on his breast, strode calmly, confidently, toward the
tower, under the rocky cliffs: No coward go there!”(688-691). This Supreme Ordeal showed that he accepted
everything that could happen to him, he entered knowing he could die, and even though he died his gains were
greater than the loss. He lived long enough to see the fruits of his sacrifice, being the gold. It is a huge part of the
poem you see him age, grow, triumph. But you also see him as still human and like every other mortal everyone
reaches an end.
Because off all stated, you see that the story of Beowulf is not only rich with history but literacy. A historic example
of the heros journey. It was important to have Test and Allies, The Resurrection and The Supreme Ordeal at such
high value in these stories. They set guidelines, examples of how any ordinary can become a hero. Basicly it
showed you step by step how Beowulf became a hero, how good defeats evil.
NATURAL SCIENCE
We had a choice of planting fruits or vegetables. I decided to plant some watermelons. I wasnt sure that it was
going to grow because I have never seen watermelons grow in Glenwood Springs. But suprisingly my planting
was a success. I was really shocked because our climate isn't very warm for watermelons to grow.
going to grow because I have never seen watermelons grow in Glenwood Springs. But suprisingly my planting
was a success. I was really shocked because our climate isn't very warm for watermelons to grow.