Beowulf Essay: The Hero's Journey

The epic poem Beowulf is famous for many reasons. Among the top reasons is that it is a perfect example of the Hero’s Journey, a story structure that is common in many other well-known stories across the globe. It follows a series of plot points to create an interesting and suspenseful journey that the readers take. The poem follows these plot points almost exactly. Another reason it is famous is because the hero of the story, Beowulf, exemplifies all the characteristics of an ideal hero and king. He is a strong, selfless, and honorable warrior and continues these traits even as an old man, king of his people. He proves his worth throughout the poem, following the guideline of the Hero’s Journey. The first plot point of the story is the

After the call to action and crossing the threshold, Beowulf greets new people at the palace and prepares for his ordeal. He is taunted by Unferth and makes friends with Hrothgar. (Beowulf 13-24). These are his tests, allies and enemies that he must encounter. This follows the Hero’s Journey because meeting these people and getting accustomed to the new world is the next important plot point of the Hero’s Journey, occurring after arriving in the new world. (McBirney 2). Later, Beowulf faces his ordeal, which is encountering the monster Grendel. The ordeal is the next component of the Hero’s Journey, where the hero faces their hardest obstacle yet. They often have a brush with death, but overcome it and find new hope. Through this battle, he demonstrates his great bravery and strength. He manages to wound the monster and kill him after grappling with him (Beowulf 26-30). He is a hero to the king and to the kingdom, saving many lives. As you can see, the ordeal follows the Hero’s Journey as well as shows Beowulf’s great heroism. The next component of the Hero’s Journey is the supreme ordeal- the final battle that is the climax of the story. The supreme ordeal is where the hero faces their final test to accomplish their goal. In Beowulf’s case, his supreme ordeal is Grendel’s mother, who has come to seek revenge against the

The poem goes on to explain how he rules his kingdom for 50 years after defeating Grendel and Grendel’s mother and returning home. As an old man, even after his previous battles, he continues to be a good king of his people. He soon learns of the havoc that a dragon is bringing to his kingdom in his late years (Beowulf 79-80). He chooses to protect his kingdom and go to fight the dragon, even though he is not physically strong anymore. This is an important point in the story for Beowulf’s character- even as a weak old man, he chooses to be selfless. He could have just been satisfied with his success in his older battles, but he picks honor over comfort. Beowulf knew that he probably wouldn’t make it after this battle, but he was content with his achievements for his people. He left to face the dragon, and when they arrived, his men betrayed him. (Beowulf 87-88). This could have also swayed Beowulf to leave and give up, but he kept going. His great courage and selflessness really shine in these moments. With no support except for Wiglaf, Beowulf continued to the dragon’s lair. After a crucial battle with the dragon, it is vanquished, but Beowulf is injured. He dies an honorable death, having spared his kingdom of the dragon. He is content with his accomplishments in the past, and in killing the dragon. In this, the Hero’s Journey is complete, and Beowulf’s incredible legacy as a hero and king