Epic Poetry
Mr. Brennan
World Literature
Beowulf and the Monomyth
Learning
Objective
SWBAT compose a thesis statement and outline in preparation
for an analytical essay.
1. Review: Beowulf and the Monomyth
2. Workshop: Thesis & Outline
3. Video: Beowulf
Homework
Reminders
1. Write Beowulf Essay Introduction
Final Unit Assessment
In a 1250 word essay,
examine the Anglo-Saxon hero, Beowulf,
as well as a person you believe to be a hero in
contemporary culture,
and evaluate how they parallel with
Campbell’s Monomyth?
Ordinary World &
Call to Adventure
While in mundane situation, the hero's journey begins by becoming aware of
the world outside his own. His journey is usually given to him by a herald
who helps the hero by acting as a guide a into the unknown.
[Limited/Increased awareness of problem.]
Joseph Campbell’s
MONOMYTH
Refusal of the Call
Often when the call is given, the future hero first refuses to heed it. This
may be from a sense of duty or obligation, fear, insecurity, etc.
[Fear/Resistance to change.]
Freedom to Live
Mastery leads to freedom from the fear of death, which in turn is the
freedom to live. This is sometimes referred to as living in the
moment, neither anticipating the future nor regretting the past.
[Mastery]
Supernatural Aids (Meeting with the Mentor)
Once the hero has committed to the quest, consciously or
unconsciously, his guide and magical helper appears, or
becomes known, and may present the hero with training,
equipment, or advice that will help later in their quest.
[Overcoming fear]
Master of Two Worlds (Return with the Elixir)
Achieving a balance between the material and spiritual—the inner
and outer worlds. (The hero returns bearing the treasure that has the
power to transform the world as the hero has been transformed.
(KNOWN)
(UNKNOWN)
RETURN
DEPARTUR
Rescue from Without
Just as the hero may need aids to set out on the
quest, oftentimes he or she must have powerful
guides and rescuers to bring them back to
everyday life, especially if the person has been
wounded or weakened by the experience.
[New challenge and rededication]
The Magic Flight
Sometimes the hero must escape with the
boon, if it is something that the gods have
been jealously guarding. It can be just as
adventurous and dangerous returning from
the journey as it was to go on it.
Refusal of the Return
Having found bliss and enlightenment in the other
world, the hero may not want to return to the ordinary
world to bestow the boon onto his fellow man.
The Ultimate Boon (Reward)
The ultimate boon is the achievement of the goal of the quest. It is what
the person went on the journey to get. All the previous steps serve to
prepare and purify the person for this step.
[Accepting consequences of new life]
Apotheosis (Supreme Ordeal)
When someone dies a physical death, or dies to the
self to live in spirit, he or she moves beyond the
pairs of opposites to a state of divine knowledge,
love, compassion and bliss. (Out of the moment of
Mr. Brennan
confronting death/fear comes a new life.
World Literature
[Big change with feelings of life and death]
Crossing of the First Threshold
This is the point where the person crosses
into the field of adventure, leaving the
known limits of his world and venturing into
an unknown and dangerous realm where the
rules and limits are not known.
[Committing to change; Cultural Disassociation]
Belly of The Whale
The belly of the whale represents the final
separation from the hero's known world and
self. By entering this stage, the person shows
willingness to undergo a metamorphosis.
INITIATION
Road of Trials
The road of trials is a series of tests, tasks, or
ordeals that the hero must undergo to begin
the transformation. Often the hero fails one or
more of these tests, which often occur in threes.
Meeting With the Goddess
This is the point when the person experiences a
love that has the power and significance of the
all-powerful, all encompassing, unconditional love that a
fortunate infant may experience with his or her mother.
Woman as Temptress
In this step, the hero faces those temptations, often of a
physical or pleasurable nature, that may lead him or her to
abandon or stray from his or her quest.
[Experiencing new conditions.]
Atonement with the Father (Innermost Cave / Approach)
In this step the person must confront and be initiated by whatever
holds the ultimate power in his or her life. In many myths and stories
this is the father, or a father figure who has life and death power.
This is the center point of the journey. (The hero and newfound
allies prepare for the major challenge in the special world)
[Preparing for major change.]
TESTS, ALLIES, & ENEMIES
THE ROAD BACK
Crossing of the Return Threshold (Resurrection)
The trick is to retain the wisdom gained, to integrate it into a
human life, and figure out how to share the wisdom with the
world. (Another moment of death/rebirth, but on a more
complete level. Hero resolves the original conflict.
[Last attempts, final dangers; Growth at reintegration]
Beowulf is called to adventure when he hears the stories of Grendel.
Beowulf does not refuse the call, but embraces it as a true AngloSaxon hero; the most honorable fate would be to find death in battle.
God offers Beowulf the strength to conquer Grendel without
weaponry and the ancient heirloom to defeat his mother;
Hrothgar offers wise advice; Unferth offers an ancient blade
Ordinary World &
Call to Adventure
While in mundane situation, the hero's journey begins by becoming aware of
the world outside his own. His journey is usually given to him by a herald
who helps the hero by acting as a guide a into the unknown.
[Limited/Increased awareness of problem.]
Beowulf’s crossing the sea to Denmark is a
threshold in which he commits to change
and disconnects from his native culture
Refusal of the Call
Often when the call is given, the future hero first refuses to heed it. This
may be from a sense of duty or obligation, fear, insecurity, etc.
[Fear/Resistance to change.]
Supernatural Aids (Meeting with the Mentor)
Once the hero has committed to the quest, consciously or
unconsciously, his guide and magical helper appears, or
becomes known, and may present the hero with training,
equipment, or advice that will help later in their quest.
[Overcoming fear]
(KNOWN)
(UNKNOWN)
DEPARTUR
Crossing of the First Threshold
This is the point where the person crosses
into the field of adventure, leaving the
known limits of his world and venturing into
an unknown and dangerous realm where the
rules and limits are not known.
[Committing to change; Cultural Disassociation]
Belly of The Whale
The belly of the whale represents the final
separation from the hero's known world and
self. By entering this stage, the person shows
willingness to undergo a metamorphosis.
Beowulf separates himself from his men to
travel alone in his decent into Grendel’s
mother’s lair.
DEPARTURE
THE ROAD B
INITIATION
Refusal of the Return
Having found bliss and enlightenment in the other
world, the hero may not want to return to the ordinary
world to bestow the boon onto his fellow man.
The Ultimate Boon (Reward)
The ultimate boon is the achievement of the goal of the quest. It is what
the person went on the journey to get. All the previous steps serve to
prepare and purify the person for this step.
[Accepting consequences of new life]
Apotheosis (Supreme Ordeal)
When someone dies a physical death, or dies to the
self to live in spirit, he or she moves beyond the
pairs of opposites to a state of divine knowledge,
love, compassion and bliss. (Out of the moment of
Mr. Brennan
confronting death/fear comes a new life.
World Literature
[Big change with feelings of life and death]
INITIATION
Road of Trials
The road of trials is a series of tests, tasks, or
ordeals that the hero must undergo to begin
the transformation. Often the hero fails one or
more of these tests, which often occur in threes.
Meeting With the Goddess
This is the point when the person experiences a
love that has the power and significance of the
all-powerful, all encompassing, unconditional love that a
fortunate infant may experience with his or her mother.
Woman as Temptress
In this step, the hero faces those temptations, often of a
physical or pleasurable nature, that may lead him or her to
abandon or stray from his or her quest.
[Experiencing new conditions.]
Atonement with the Father (Innermost Cave / Approach)
In this step the person must confront and be initiated by whatever
holds the ultimate power in his or her life. In many myths and stories
this is the father, or a father figure who has life and death power.
This is the center point of the journey. (The hero and newfound
allies prepare for the major challenge in the special world)
[Preparing for major change.]
Beowulf’s father figure can be represented by Fate/God, who
Beowulf must accept as the possessor of ultimate power.
Father figure can also be seen as Hrothgar or Hyglec, who
Beowulf confronts to gain acceptance, and is embraced as a son
There is no temptress; perhaps, again, due to Anglo-Saxon warrior
culture. Although it never overcame him, his own pride could have
tempted him from his never-ending glory.
Beowulf lacks female influence, perhaps due to Anglo-Saxon warrior
culture; however, Wealhtheow gives Beowulf a “torque of gold” for luck.
Beowulf’s journey comprises of three major trials; another trial includes his
journey to reach Grendel’s mother’s lair, which is protected by creatures.
TESTS, ALLIES, & ENEMIES
The Magic Flight
Sometimes the hero must escape with the
boon, if it is something that the gods have
been jealously guarding. It can be just as
adventurous and dangerous returning from
the journey as it was to go on it.
THE ROAD B
INITIATION
Road of Trials
The road of trials is a series of tests, tasks, or
ordeals that the hero must undergo to begin
the transformation. Often the hero fails one or
more of these tests, which often occur in threes.
Meeting With the Goddess
This is the point when the person experiences a
love that has the power and significance of the
all-powerful, all encompassing, unconditional love that a
fortunate infant may experience with his or her mother.
INITIATION
Refusal of the Return
Having found bliss and enlightenment in the other
world, the hero may not want to return to the ordinary
world to bestow the boon onto his fellow man.
The Ultimate Boon (Reward)
The ultimate boon is the achievement of the goal of the quest. It is what
the person went on the journey to get. All the previous steps serve to
prepare and purify the person for this step.
[Accepting consequences of new life]
Apotheosis (Supreme Ordeal)
When someone dies a physical death, or dies to the
self to live in spirit, he or she moves beyond the
pairs of opposites to a state of divine knowledge,
love, compassion and bliss. (Out of the moment of
Mr. Brennan
confronting death/fear comes a new life.
World Literature
[Big change with feelings of life and death]
Woman as Temptress
In this step, the hero faces those temptations, often of a
physical or pleasurable nature, that may lead him or her to
abandon or stray from his or her quest.
[Experiencing new conditions.]
Atonement with the Father (Innermost Cave / Approach)
In this step the person must confront and be initiated by whatever
holds the ultimate power in his or her life. In many myths and stories
this is the father, or a father figure who has life and death power.
This is the center point of the journey. (The hero and newfound
allies prepare for the major challenge in the special world)
[Preparing for major change.]
TESTS, ALLIES, & ENEMIES
The Magic Flight
Sometimes the hero must escape with the
boon, if it is something that the gods have
been jealously guarding. It can be just as
adventurous and dangerous returning from
the journey as it was to go on it.
Beowulf reaches the lowest point of his journey
when he faces Grendel’s mother; for the first time
we see, as does he, that he is not immortal; he
changes his approach to battle. His men believe
him to be dead, but he is victorious, ascends, and
is reborn as a true hero.
Beowulf brings back Grendel’s head and the hilt of the giant sword back
to Heorot; thus, ridding the Danes of monsters. While this serves as a
literal boon, Beowulf has brought knowledge back that one can defeat
monsters and revive salvation. A theme also echoed in the battle against
the dragon.
Though Beowulf dies, he lives on forever; the ultimate boon becomes
the story of Beowulf, the story of a hero. The tale
doesn’t
Joseph
Campbell’ssimply tell
that dragons are real, but that dragons can be defeated.
Freedom to Live
Mastery leads to freedom from the fear of death, which in turn is the
freedom to live. This is sometimes referred to as living in the
moment, neither anticipating the future nor regretting the past.
[Mastery]
Master of Two Worlds (Return with the Elixir)
Achieving a balance between the material and spiritual—the inner
and outer worlds. (The hero returns bearing the treasure that has the
power to transform the world as the hero has been transformed.
(KNOWN)
Crossing of the Return Threshold (Resurrection)
The trick is to retain the wisdom gained, to integrate it into a
human life, and figure out how to share the wisdom with the
world. (Another moment of death/rebirth, but on a more
complete level. Hero resolves the original conflict.
[Last attempts, final dangers; Growth at reintegration]
THE ROAD BACK
After being wounded, Beowulf receives
help from his loyal thane, Wiglaf, who
enables Beowulf to defeat the dragon,
claim treasure for his people, and
eventually sings the song of Beowulf.
Beowulf must defeat the dragon in order
for his story to be told; the story becomes
the essential knowledge which empowers a
hero-centric war culture standing at the
crux of Anglo-Saxon religion
Ordi
Call t
Whi
the
w
[
MONOMYTH
Becomes master of Geatland & Denmark; of
the super-natural world through Christ and of
the human world through his immortal tale.
In defeating the dragon, Beowulf retains his
boon and crosses into the afterlife, but is
resurrected in the telling of his heroic tale.
RETURN
(UNKNOWN)
RETURN
Rescue from Without
Just as the hero may need aids to set out on the
quest, oftentimes he or she must have powerful
guides and rescuers to bring them back to
everyday life, especially if the person has been
wounded or weakened by the experience.
[New challenge and rededication]
The Magic Flight
Sometimes the hero must escape with the
boon, if it is something that the gods have
been jealously guarding. It can be just as
adventurous and dangerous returning from
the journey as it was to go on it.
INITIAT
Refusal of the Return
Having found bliss and enlightenment in the other
world, the hero may not want to return to the ordinary
world to bestow the boon onto his fellow man.
The Ultimate Boon (Reward)
The ultimate boon is the achievement of the goal of the quest. It is what
the person went on the journey to get. All the previous steps serve to
prepare and purify the person for this step.
[Accepting consequences of new life]
Apotheosis (Supreme Ordeal)
When someone dies a physical death, or dies to the
self to live in spirit, he or she moves beyond the
pairs of opposites to a state of divine knowledge,
love, compassion and bliss. (Out of the moment of
Mr. Brennan
Beowulf does not falter and eagerly returns to Geatland.
Atoneme
In this ste
holds the
this is the
This is the
Final Unit Assessment
In a 1250 word essay,
examine the Anglo-Saxon hero, Beowulf,
as well as a person you believe to be a hero in
contemporary culture,
and evaluate how they parallel with
Campbell’s Monomyth?
Outline
In a 1250 word essay, examine the Anglo-Saxon hero, Beowulf, as well as a person you believe to be a
hero in contemporary culture, and evaluate how they parallel with Campbell’s Monomyth?
Intro:
Thesis:
Body Paragraph(s):
Conclusion:
Outline
What is a hero? Who is Joseph Campbell? What is his notion of the
monomyth? What is the purpose of the hero and the monomyth?
(i.e. culturally and psychologically)
The Anglo-Saxon hero, Beowulf, as well as the American hero, George
Washington, adhere to Joseph Campbell’s monomyth, as they both
complete the heroic journey revealing a great deal about their respective
cultures and an individual's search for identity.
1.
Departure
2.
Initiation
3.
Return
In conclusion…
•
summary of main points
•
relation to our current society and/or lives