Mr

Beowulf and The Monomyth.

The epic poem Beowulf was allegedly written sometime in the 6th century. Though the manuscript was not discovered until late in the 17th century. Many scholars also theorize that it could have been written in the 9th-century, and was lost during the Viking invasions of Anglia. However, due to the author's positive position on the Danes, it can also be theorized that it was written sometime after the invasions, in the 11th century. However scenes and aspects of court life from the poem correlate with artifacts discovered in the Sutton Hoo burial in Suffolk, England. Which was dated around 600-650 A.D. England at that time was aflame with culture. It had well established libraries and monasteries that kept and recorded such literature, it is possible it existed and was transcribed at such an early period then lost during the Danes invasions, as they burnt the libraries and destroyed many of the monasteries.

In Germanic storytelling, it is the earliest known oral tradition in existence. The oral story could possibly have arrived in England via the migrating Anglos, Saxons and Jutes. It was originally written in old English, which suggests that it had been changed somewhat from its original state. It is thought that the prevalent Christian themes were added as the poem was transcribed from its original Germanic tongue. In this sense it is unusual, as it mixes a pagan story with Christian values.

The poem takes place in the Scandinavian countries of Denmark and Sweden and was most likely written by a poet only observing codes of conduct and lifestyles from a by gone era. The Geats (Beowulf's tribe) inhabited the southern part of Sweden and Hrothgar, with his glorious mead-hall Heorot, lived on the Danish island, Sjaelland.

In the poem there are many examples of archetypal characters that are presented by the monomyth. In this poem Beowulf is the hero, or more accurately a hero. The monomyth process begins with the hero's call to adventure. Beowulf hears Grendel's name (a horrific monster terrorizing the Danes) echoed in his land. Beowulf departs on his quest to slay Grendel in accordance with his desires for fame, glory and adventure. Being a strong and willing warrior, still yet to prove his worth, Beowulf sees Grendel as an opportunity to succeed where countless others have failed.

It is here, at the beginning of the story that the Beowulf poem begins to deviate from the monomyth. Beowulf is a willing hero, eager to succeed and prove his bravery. He does not for a moment hesitate or refuse his call to adventure. Indeed, he instigates the quest. Perhaps due to his apparent superhuman strength and bravado, he sees it as his duty to rid the Danish lands of Grendal. At the same time it also holds true to the monomyth process in that Beowulf leaves, he ventures across the 'whale road' to seek his adventure. This is an integral part of the monomyth, and possibly the most constant throughout all story telling.

The particular hero that is depicted in Beowulf endures no mentoring. Perhaps this is because his bravery and strength have been already proven to a certain extent. A given example of this is his 'swimming match in the broad billows of winters swollen waters' with his childhood friend Breca. Beowulf does not travel to Hrothgar's aid alone, helpers accompany him on his perilous journey. Fourteen of the bravest soldiers from King Hygelac's army are at his command.

The monster Grendel, who murdered the Danes and filled them with constant terror for 'twelve winters', represents the threshold guardian. Grendel attacks Beowulf and the Geats while they are sleeping in the great mead hall Herot. Beowulf uses his physical strength to over come the monster and sever its arm. This is a definitive turning point, as the successful passing of the threshold guardian Grendel changes the course of the story. And clearly illustrates the hero's further journey into the strange and mysterious world of adventure.

After the death of Grendel, Beowulf is honored for his bravery and strength. Grendels mother learns of her monstrous child's death and seeks revenge. She invades Heorot in the night and murders King Hrothgar's best friend Aeschere. Upon this news Beowulf sets out to find Grendels mother and slay her.

In keeping with the monomyths process, Beowulf encounters various trials on journey to the monsterous woman's lair. They appear in the form terrifying sea creatures as he descends into the depths of the ocean in search of her cave. Here he is alone; he has no soldiers or loyal friends to aid him. The descent into the water is symbolic of Beowulfs inner most cave experience which preludes his eventual supreme ordeal.

After successfully completeing the tasks and trials of finding the underwater lair, Beowulf encounters the supreme ordeal of the story. Here he is challenged to the point were he would have failed had he been purely dependent on his strength. He enlists the help of a great sword, Naegling and kills the monster. He receives the treasure from the monsters cave and returns to King Hrothgar with the news. Also there is postive change, or victory in Beowulf's relationship with Unferth. Unferth who had, until Beowulf set out to kill Grendels mother, been a negative voice upon his reputation, changed his opinion and believed in Beowulf's courage and strength to be superior to his own.

Beowulf's victory marks beginning of his journey home. He returns to Herot and King Hrothgar with the jewelled hilt of Naegling and the monsters head. He is awarded tweleve treasures from Hrothgar and returns home. Upon his arrival King Hygelac awarded Beowulf a golden sword, which was regarded as the greatest of all treasure among the Geats, a hall, an estate and princes high seat. This is the restoration period of the