Beowulf is the perfect example for the hero's journey. He his a king of a great kingdom he has killed numerous amounts of beasts. In his story though he kills three beasts; two are for King Hrothgar who terrorize his party hall and one is to protect his kingdom from a horrific dragon. In the end he meets his heroic demise.
In the beginning of his journey, Beowulf, travels to King Hrothgars kingdom on request of the King himself. Beowulf is asked to kill the horrific beast, Grendel, torturing his party hall and killing his men. Beowulf being the legend that he was was challenged by one of King Hrothgars men to fight grendel with his bare hands. So Beowulf takes up the challenge. When Grendel arrives, Beowulf wrestles with the beast and tears his arms off with his bare hands. Beowulf receives rich and glory for his great victory.
Shortly after Grendels mother wants her revenge for her son; She carries off some of King Hrothgars men. Beowulf goes deep into Grendels mother's swamp and then is dragged down into her domian. He battles her and kills her with a sword that is crafted by a giant(that he finds in her domain).
After this victory he is given great riches and glory once again and goes home a hero amoung not only his people but King Hrothgars as well. When he arrives back home he finds that his kingdom is being tormented by a dragon. Beowulf goes out and fights the dragon as best as he can. After a great deal of battle he suffers fatal wounds and is taken up in arms by his protege, Wiglaf. With the help of Wiglaf they defeat the beast and save the kingdom. Shortly after the battle Beowulf dies.
Even though Beowulf has died, he does not die without glory. In his last few battles he fights valiantly and saves not only hs kingdom but King Hrothgars as well. That is exactly why he is a perfect example of the Hero's Journey.
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