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Beowulf : The Embodiment Of The Typical Hero

Decent Essays

Michael Gormley
10/7/2014
British Literature
Mr.Rogai
Beowulf Beowulf is the embodiment of the typical hero. Strong, well-spoken, confident and successful. Beowulf enjoys success in all of his life, and should be seen as a willing hero. When examining Beowulf against Vogler’s types of heroes it’s obvious that he would be classified as a willing hero. Beowulf shows commitment, braveness and motivation throughout his encounters with Grendel, Grendel’s mother and the Dragon. When Vogler talks about a “willing hero” the main qualities he talks about are: commitment to the adventure, rarely, if ever, doubting himself, braveness and self-motivation. Beowulf shows all these qualities at many different times throughout the story’s plotline. The first encounter Beowulf has is with Grendel. Grendel, descendent of Cain emerged early in the plotline as the archetypal enemy. Grendel appears once the mead hall, called Heorot was built. When Heorot was built, and the Bards began to sing songs about the creation of the earth Grendel was angered. Grendel attacked Hrothgar and his town, and absolutely slaughtered over 30 people the first night. For over twelve years Grendel wreaked havoc on Heorot for over twelve years. After these long years, Beowulf, nephew of Hygelac, the Geatish king arrives to assist Hrothgar. Even in the first few lines when Beowulf is introduced you can see how confident he is. When Hrothgar’s men see Beowulf and his band who are “so fearless” and so confident

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