Beowulf and Epic Poetry
Jung and Campbell & The Hero Archetype Carl Jung and Joseph
Campbell developed the idea of the archetype Archetype: A recurring
pattern of images, situations, or symbols found in the mythology, religion, art, and dreams of cultures around the world
Joseph CampbellJoseph Campbell
Carl JungCarl Jung
Archetypal Hero Traits
Unusual Circumstances of Birth Leaves Family and Lives With Others Traumatic Event Leads to Quest Special Weapon Supernatural Help Proves Himself on Quest Journey and Unhealable Wound Atonement With Father Spiritual Apotheosis
Unusual Birth
Often in danger or born into royalty Luke w/ aunt and uncle Simba born a prince Moses put in basket
Leaves Family
Raised away from his people Luke w/ aunt and
uncle Simba w/ Timon and
Poobah
Traumatic Event
A hero’s life is changed forever Luke’s aunt and
uncle’s death Simba fights Nala Yahweh appears to
Moses
Special Weapon
Only the hero can wield his weapon Luke’s light saber Moses’ staff Simba’s ... claws?
Supernatural Help
Hero often has spiritual guidance Luke hears Obi-Wan
Kenobi Yahweh guides Moses Simba sees Mufasa in
the sky and has Rafiki help him
Proves Himself
Hero performs feats while on Quest Luke blows up Death
Star, leads rebellion Moses perform miracles Simba contemplates his
life
Journey & Unhealable Wound
Hero descends into a hell-like area and suffers wounding from encounter w/ evil Symbolically goes
where normal humans can’t and finds truth about self
Atonement With Father
Hero either redeems father’s evil deeds or reconciles with father over wrongs done by the hero
Apotheosis
Hero is rewarded spiritually at the end of his life
The Epic
A long narrative poem on a great and serious subject
Centered on a heroic figure on whose actions depends the fate of a tribe, a nation, or the human race.
Traditional Epics
The traditional epics were shaped by a literary artist from historical and legendary materials which had developed in the oral traditions of his nation during a period of expansion and warfare (Beowulf, The Odyssey, The Iliad).
Characteristics of an Epic
1. It is a long narrative poem that reflects the values of the society that produced it.
2. The story began in the oral tradition and contains some element of historical accuracy.
3. It is written in a serious, elevated style. 4. The author is usually anonymous.
Epic, Continued
5. It deals with large issues of good versus evil.
6. It has a hero who is “larger than life”; stronger, braver, and more insightful than the average man.
7. The hero is on a quest wherein the fate of his tribe, his nation, or the entire human race rests on his shoulders.
8. Gods or other quasi-divine creatures come to the aid of one side and/or another.
Beowulf
1. Beowulf survived the monastery fires set by Henry VIII in the 16th century in England.
2. It is the sole surviving manuscript from what was believed to have been a thriving literary form.
3. A single manuscript of Beowulf exists in the British Museum in London where it survived a fire in the 18th century.
More about Beowulf
4. It is an archaeological relic.
5. It is an aristocratic poem exclusively—concerned with issues of kingship
6. Traits valued and heralded by the Anglo-Saxons (and seen in Beowulf) included: courage, bravery, strength, loyalty and obedience to one’s lord, generosity, willingness to engage in battle, and the quest for fame.
Pagan Literature
7. Beowulf originated as a pagan piece in the oral tradition.
8. Eighth century monks “Christianized” the piece, so it is an interesting hybrid of Christian and non-Christian elements.
And Still More
9. Beowulf faces three large challenges. (Discuss the significance of the number “3” in the Christian tradition).
10. The poem begins with a “Song of Creation” celebrating the gifts bestowed by God—then quickly moves to the dark narration of the challenges Beowulf is about to meet.
11. The sharp and beautiful language of the poem can be attributed to the fact that it began in the oral tradition.
What did Beowulf Sound Like?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/launch_tl_ages_english.shtml
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