Examples Of Archetypes In Beowulf
“The Reavers from Hell” Beowulf, the name of the Anglo-Saxon heroic narrative, and also the name of its Scandinavian prince protagonist, cultivates one of the many eight literary theories: Mythological and Archetypal. Beowulf, the protagonist, takes it upon himself to cross the Baltic sea to help assist the land of the Danes from a blood-thirsty brute called Grendel. Initially, Grendel is the only threat is perceived by the Danes, until his mother seeks vengeance for the death of her son. Throughout the epic poem, Grendel and his mother’s background help facilitate many themes, ideals, and archetypes within the narrative. Since they originate from the clan of Cain, Grendel and his mother affect the heroic poem by causing certain individuals
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The introduction of Grendel to Herot caused many of the people to turn back to their pagan ways. For example, the author states, “Sometimes at pagan shrines they vowed offerings to idols, swore oaths that the killer of souls might come to their aid and save the people.” (lines 175-180). Out of fear, the people of Herot decided to turn to their false gods and away from Christian ideals. Grendel and his mother, with their role of causing fear are able to highlight one of the main reason the epic Beowulf was written; Christianity versus paganism. Another example of a pagan ideal being shown, is shortly after Grendel’s mother attacks. For example, the people of Herot seek revenge for their lost ones rather than mourning for them. Page 97, lines 1374-1389, “’Wise sir, do not grieve. It is always better to avenge dear one than to indulge in mourning.’” Ultimately, Grendel and his mother affect the storyline of Beowulf by being evil figures within the epic. Because they are decedents of Cain from the Bible, Grendel and his mother cause the people of Herot to become fearful and turn back to their pagan. The people of Herot’s fear eventually lead them to call for the assistance of someone mighty such as the Scandinavian prince, Beowulf. By being two obstacle that approached Beowulf, Grendel and his mother basically sacrificed themselves unknowingly to prove the “perfections” and strengths of the
The introduction of Grendel to Herot caused many of the people to turn back to their pagan ways. For example, the author states, “Sometimes at pagan shrines they vowed offerings to idols, swore oaths that the killer of souls might come to their aid and save the people.” (lines 175-180). Out of fear, the people of Herot decided to turn to their false gods and away from Christian ideals. Grendel and his mother, with their role of causing fear are able to highlight one of the main reason the epic Beowulf was written; Christianity versus paganism. Another example of a pagan ideal being shown, is shortly after Grendel’s mother attacks. For example, the people of Herot seek revenge for their lost ones rather than mourning for them. Page 97, lines 1374-1389, “’Wise sir, do not grieve. It is always better to avenge dear one than to indulge in mourning.’” Ultimately, Grendel and his mother affect the storyline of Beowulf by being evil figures within the epic. Because they are decedents of Cain from the Bible, Grendel and his mother cause the people of Herot to become fearful and turn back to their pagan. The people of Herot’s fear eventually lead them to call for the assistance of someone mighty such as the Scandinavian prince, Beowulf. By being two obstacle that approached Beowulf, Grendel and his mother basically sacrificed themselves unknowingly to prove the “perfections” and strengths of the