Ivana Garcia English 10 Heroic Monomyth

Batman

According to the writer Joseph Campbell, all mythologies follow the same model, wellknown as the heroic Monomyth. Batman is one of a kind, who is somewhat similar to that of the character Beowulf. Each with their own distinct individuality, they also have a few things in common. There are various stages in the Monomyth that need to be conquered in order for any hero to develop into who they are today. Batman is cast in the mold of the Monomyth, since he goes through the stages of gaining respect of others, defeating criminal organizations, and balancing both lives. Before Batmans life saving career begins, he has to prove to not only himself and his trainers, but to the people of Gotham that he is able to protect them from all criminal crowds. The first few steps of the Monomyth that lead up to the crossing of the first threshold explain the defining of your fear and eventually overcoming that. In Batmans case, he has to rise above the guilt and fear for his parents death when he was a child, and stop thinking that when he is attacked that he will not be able to fight back. By doing so, it will guide him to becoming a hero. For Beowulf, he proves himself worthy enough to defeat Grendel by going against another warrior and coming out alive. Neither just goes into defeating anything right away, they

demonstrate that they are capable to prevail over any obstacle they are given, although some may be a struggle. In order for Batman to subjugate any criminal, it takes strength and determination. He does not set out into a fight without the thought that he is going to accomplish his goal. Being Batman, he has to take on the biggest villains. His first encounter was with Doctor Jonathan Crane, but when he wanted to manipulate others, he drugged them and was known then as the Scarecrow. Following this, was the physcopath distinguished as the Joker, who was a bit more of a challenge because the way he went about his plans were very abnormal. Batman had to be very forceful when it came to either one of the villains until he beat both the Joker and the Scarecrow. Beowulf had the same in mind, but with Grendel only who was known for being malicious and undefeatable to nearly everyone. Of course the hero always wins, so Beowulf and Batman came out on top in each of their battles. Once the goal is achieved, the hero can go back to living their normal life. Batman was a man of two lives, one he could show to the public and one he had to hide to keep him and his loved ones safe. He learned to balance one with the other, so he did not have to worry about what Batman had to do when he was Bruce Wayne; for the most part. When he was Bruce, he put all events related to Batman aside and did his everyday job and vice versa when he was Batman. Beowulf learned to do the same when it came to picking his fights. He keeps his warfare life separate from everything until it comes time to go to battle against someone. As the two different characters go about their lives this way, they also come across verbal attacks from people. Instead of attacking back with weapons, they defend themselves with words only.

Both Batman and Beowulf are two courageous heroes. They have accomplished various acts of kindness for their people. By getting rid of the dangerous villains, they have helped keep their homes safe from being attacked. There many steps to achievement, made them a better hero and will continue to do so if they have to face any additional problems. Batman continues to constantly save Gotham City, as well as Beowulf saving the kingdom of Hrothgar. There is more to come in the two of these heroes lives.