Tre’jen Weber

1st Hour

The Hero’s Journey

The story of Beowulf incorporates many of the elements of the hero’s journeys guide. Beowulf's
predecessors and others before him had put in place the story and the details on why he began
his journey into heroism. Starting off as a young, unproven, and brave warrior, Beowulf goes
through some of the toughest and most death defying obstacles to cement himself in history as
one of the greatest heroes in history. As he encompasses many of the traits of great heroes and
goes through the same path that many heroes before and after went through.

Beowulf started out as a hungry, young, and ambitious warrior in Geatland. Wanting to prove
himself to others, he hears the stories of a monster named Grendel. Grendel was a monster
known for killing over 30 of King Hrothgar’s men. Hrothgar lacked a leader who could lead a
group of his best men to defeat Grendel, so he called upon Beowulf. Beowulf did not refuse the
call and knew that he had to commit to this journey to be seen as a great. Hrothgar becomes
Beowulf’s mentor over the course of the story. Things Hrothgar does in the past influence
Beowulf later on in the story.

After assembling the group of men, Beowulf and the other warriors cross the threshold by
traveling from Geatland to Denmark. Beowulf is tested by his enemies by having to face the
monster Grendel. He defeats Grendel by severing his arm and taking it as a trophy. The Geats
throw a feast in honor of Beowulf’s heroic acts. Quickly after they do this they discover that a
new enemy has surfaced; Grendel’s mother.

Before Grendel’s mother becomes a immediate problem, Beowulf has to defeat a monster that
has been living in a swamp. The monster is a tough enemy, but Beowulf ends up beating the
monster by stabbing it with a sword crafted for giants. With King Hrothgar being pleased by
Beowulf’s heroics, he rewards Beowulf with treasure and animals. Over time Beowulf’s strong
and confident personality elevates him to king status. During a 50 year run of being king he
treats his land and the people wisely and honest. After a lot of time goes by Beowulf is needed
again to help his people. A thief steals jewels and other treasures from a dragon that was
guarding it. He sacrifices himself and defeats the dragon , but is bitten and wounded. Beowulf
succumbs to his fatal injuries, and his people grieve over his death. His body and his treasures
were then burned in his honor.