The Hero's Journey

My senior classes and I read through excerpts of a translation of Beowulf during the first nine weeks of school, and in doing so, we focused on the elements of the hero's journey. While some have been ready for Beowulf’s demise since his departure, some have enjoyed portions and some have enjoyed all of his journey. I have taught Beowulf for several years, and every year, I gain something else from it. This year I have considered the similarities between the hero Beowulf and Jesus Christ—not a novel idea, I know. However, I have mulled over the similarities in their journeys for weeks, simple though they be.

The departure

Beowulf, while in his warrior prime, journeys to the land of the Danes to battle the monster, Grendel. He had heard the terrifying tales of a relentless monster for years, and he chose to travel the distance, regardless of the fact that this journey would lead him to danger and potential death. He was determined to save this worried, weary king and his kingdom from further bloodshed. As Beowulf stood before the Danes’ king Hrothgar, he outlined his qualifications—his royal bloodline, his prior feats, and his character qualities. He proved to the king that he was a warrior, willing and worthy to vanquish the forces of evil that had relentlessly tormented them.

Christ Himself journeyed to a foreign place to redeem a people that had no hope within themselves, lost souls that were drowning and helpless in their sin and separation from a perfect and loving God, a God that passionately desired and pursued a relationship with them (us). This departure meant separation from the Father, a separation that was painful but also painfully necessary. He left a place of perfection to travel to a fallen and dark world, knowing full well what He would face, yet He never wavered from His mission–to save those who could not save themselves.

The hardships & trials

Beowulf knew at the time of his departure that he would face evil forces. He confidently boasted of giants and sea monsters that he had defeated in the past, and he eagerly looked forward to the battle with Grendel. While he realized the brevity of the battles before him, he believed in the divine outcome decided by both fate and God. He followed the calling he felt upon his life, which was to be a warrior, even to the point of death. After Grendel’s defeat, he faced the vengeance of Grendel’s mother and once again, he prevailed. Once he returned to his own home in Geatland, he stepped into the role as king and served until his own kingdom was attacked by another monster, the dragon.

In his short lifespan here on earth, Jesus fought against spiritual leaders of his time who questioned his motives, his practices, and his person. He faced doubt and betrayal among his closest followers and friends. He endured physical pain and temptation, experiencing natural feelings to which He was unaccustomed. He overcame heaven and earth for the good of a population for centuries to come.

The return

In the battle with the dragon, his final battle, Beowulf was fifty-plus years older, and he realized his own physical limitations. In his speech, we realize that he was acutely aware of the probability of his own death. However, he did not pawn off this burden. Instead, he again faced this battle with confidence, knowing that his calling required his unwavering commitment. In spite of his valiant fight, he sustained a lethal wound and died, but not before he passed his legacy on to another warrior, one who fought alongside him and helped him to defeat the dragon. While he did not return alive, Beowulf’s mission was complete, and he left his kingdom in an improved state.

Jesus Christ continued his ministry even while dying an agonizing death. He continued His message of salvation to the thief on the cross, promising him a home in paradise if he simply believed. Christ’s greatest desire was to grow the number of people with whom the Father could relish a relationship and with whom He would share an eternal home. He died as He lived, and returned to sit on the right hand of God, providing an eternal gift for the endurance of humanity.

Conclusion

While the ultimate example is always Christ, we can learn so much from Beowulf’s journey as well. In our earthly journey, there will be a departure from what is familiar and a traveling toward higher ideals and a higher calling. Trials and hardships will require much of us. We must equip ourselves by “Put[ting] on the whole armor of God, that [we] may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11). Ever clearer is the knowledge that we are fighting forces that are not simply physical, they’re spiritual. We can gain encouragement from knowing that the ultimate return will take place when Christ returns for His bride, and we spend eternity in blissful perfection, the resolution of our own journey.