The approach to literature known as the mythological/archetypal theory relies on the integration of symbols within a text. This applies to innumerable stories throughout history, if not all of them. The overall idea of this theory is to connect different works in contrasting time periods. Evidence of the theory comes from similar myths and legends of completely different cultures and regions. Scholars have attempted to connect stories to one archetype, in particular--the hero and his quest. For example, the epic poem, Beowulf--the first written English story--is known to follow this theory because it includes many of the general archetypal characters, situations, and images. Archetypal characters are those found within multiple different…show more content… For example, the hall of Heorot--the center of Hrothgar’s kingdom--undergoes its own type of renewal of life after Grendel is slain. Joy and song return to the people. There is also an example of the fall as Beowulf is facing the dragon and realizes he is going to die, leaving his kingdom unprotected. Initiation is also depicted within the story as Beowulf proves himself as a warrior and eventually, because of his own goodness in not undermining or stealing the rightful heir’s rule, becomes king of the Geats. Finally, the redemptive sacrifice is exhibited in the poem; Beowulf knows he will most likely die in the fight with the dragon, but still faces the beast to protect his people and the goblet thief from the dragon’s rage. To sum up, Beowulf includes many stages and events within the hero’s quest situation, but contains other archetypal situations as…show more content… The epic poem, written by an unknown author after being an oral story, follows most of the hero’s quest archetype, while depicting other situations and images to symbolize the same things that have been represented by countless other stories throughout history. The main purpose of the mythological/archetypal theory is to connect stories that are seemingly different. It is believed that all stories actually follow the same plot: the hero’s quest. From Beowulf to Mean Girls, all stories have a hero following his or her own archetypal quest to their own
