Beowulf Hero's Journey | Beowulf Epic Hero | Beowulf Summary activity - Create a Monomyth for Beowulf!
Snemalna Knjiga Besedilo
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ORDINARY WORLD
Beowulf's ordinary world was Geatland.
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CALL TO ADVENTURE
Beowulf heard stories of a monster known as Grendel, who was hunting the warriors of Heorot. Over twelve years, Grendel killed more than 30 of King Hrothgar’s men. The people needed a hero of epic proportions, so they called upon Beowulf.
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REFUSAL
(No Refusal) Beowulf could not refuse the plight of King Hrothgar, so he gathered his best men and set off for Denmark.
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MENTOR / HELPER
King Hrothgar becomes Beowulf's mentor, though his influence is not seen at first. Beowulf uses the incident with Grendel as a guide when he becomes king. Through Hrothgar, Beowulf learns that a king who cannot fight is useless to his people. Another helper is Unferth who lends the sword, Hrunting, to Beowulf to help him defeat Grendel’s mother.
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CROSSING THE THRESHOLD
Beowulf and his men cross the sea from Geatland to Denmark.
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TESTS / ALLIES / ENEMIES
Beowulf battles Grendel, and outsmarts the monster; he takes Grendel's arm as a trophy, mortally wounding him. Later, he also battles the swamp hag and the dragon. An important ally against the dragon is Wiglaf.
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APPROACH
Thinking he has ended the battle, the Geats throw a great feast in his honor. However, they learn there is a new foe: Grendel's mother. Beowulf’s work is not yet done.
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ORDEAL
Beowulf must defeat the evil swamp hag to save the Danes. To defeat her, he swims into the her underwater lair and stabs her with a sword made for a giant.
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REWARD
King Hrothgar gives Beowulf his finest horses and a massive treasure.
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ROAD BACK
Upon returning home, Beowulf ascends to the throne of his homeland where he rules wisely for over 50 years.
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ATONEMENT
When he first returns, he gives Hygelac gifts. Years later, his heroic deeds are again needed. When a would-be thief disturbs a dragon, it threatens his land. Knowing he has lived a full life and seeing his death before him, Beowulf charges into the action and defeats the dragon, but not before he is bitten in the neck and poisoned.
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RETURN
According to legend, Beowulf's body and a massive treasure were burned on a funeral pyre overlooking the sea. He dies a hero’s death, and his stories are told over generations.