A quest myth is format for a story, in which a man, many times accompanied by an assistant, goes on a dangerous journey to fight for a trophy. This trophy is something that they bring back, such as gold, swords, armor, or many times safety for the people. The prize is not just for the heros own personal gain or glory, but also for other people around them. The structure of a quest myth is underlying in all stories from the earliest, Beowulf, to the more recent. In Beowulf, the protagonist must go through several challenges in order to complete the story. First, he goes to the land of the Danes, an old ally, to aid them in a fight with a monster so evil that the Danes themselves are unable to defeat. After conquering this monster, he goes on to defeat its mother, as a favor to the King. His final fight comes between him and a dragon, which has threatened him and his people. These two stories, although very different content, have the same frame. Both heroes, although brave and heroic in their own ways, must rely on others in order to succeed. Booze, by Pinckney Benedict is a perfect example of a basic quest myth. While this story does not contain the glory, and the heroism as Beowulf, the protagonist carries out the responsibilities of a quest myth hero. The protagonist must find the courage to vanquish a beast that has burdened him since he was a young boy. He must do this, in order to be free from his insecurities, nightmares, or fears. These two stories are perfect examples of quest myths, and prove that all stories are related in frame, and can be prominent or very recessive.
Beowulf is a classic example of a quest myth. Beowulf, the quest hero, is tested three times throughout the novel. The first is to slay the dreaded monster Grendel. Grendel has plagued the Danes for twelve years. Each night he comes and takes thirty warriors from Heorot. The Danes try their best to turn away the monster, but there efforts are useless. Each Dane who has stood up against Grendel has been killed. Then Beowulf came, after twelve years of suffering a man worthy of killing Grendel has come. Beowulf has come confident, so sure that he will defeat him, He began to remove his iron breast-mail, took off the helmet and handed his attendant the patterned sword.(P.19) Beowulf knows that he is on the side of justice and good, so he refuses to fight with any sort of weapons. He knows the he is on the side of God. Beowulf also has a feature unlike any other human; his grip is stronger than any human or monster. After Beowulf has defeated Grendel, he portrays the typical quest hero, by returning to the people with peace. The Danes were not at peace for long, that night Grendels mother attacked. She only took one person, but this person happened to be Hrothgars friend Aeschere. As a favor to Hrothgar, Beowulf goes on another quest into the underworld to fight Grendels mother. He is able to defeat the monster, through a long battle. He conquers the ability to go from the underworld back to the world. Beowulf also brings back the sword of the giants. It was a great tell which told the history of the giants and how their race ended. Beowulf then returned home and was received with great acceptance. His power had now grown to much greater respect. He was eventually crowned king of The Geats. Soon after though, Beowulfs final test appeared. A great dragon had come and destroyed much of his town. He suited up for what he knew would be his final battle. He brought many men with him, but when faced with the Dragon all but Beowulf and Wiglaf fled. Beowulf finally met his death after slaying the Dragon. He brought his final item back, treasure and gold for everyone.
Booze is another example of a more contemporary quest myth. Booze was a large Duroc hog. It was a quarter of a ton, and Booze was a rogue, a Killer(P. 13). Kenny, the quest hero, is the true hero of the story. Kenny ultimately ills Booze, but he could not have done it without Eli. Every quest hero is always accompanied by someone many times divine. While Eli is not a divine person, he is of great assistance and ensures success against the monster.
Another characteristic of quests myth is the instigation of the monster. Booze is no exception to this. He has, although unconfirmed, killed a multitude of animals including a dog and sheep. He has been confirmed in killing one thing, according to Tobe Fogus saw old Booze eat a bunch of chickens once(P. 18). The chickens were very important to Elis mother. Booze has not only been a nuisance to the family, but has left them with nightmares. Booze deserved everything he received.
A final attribute of a quest myth, is what the hero returns with, after braving obstacles and tough times. It can range from wealth and power to security and safety. Kenny, although not directly affected by Boozes actions, comes to help save Eli. He asks Your dad still offering that fifty dollars?(P. 14) He brings back peace to Elis family, and he also gets fifty dollars for himself. He does not do this as a selfish act for himself, but many times needs extra motivation to find the courage to fight a monster like Booze.
The stories of Beowulf and Booze by Pickney Benedict, although completely different time periods, Beowulf being the oldest of Anglo Saxon literature, and Booze being written in 1986, show examples of quest myths. It proves that every story, no matter where its written, or what time period, or even subject matter, has elements of a quest myth. It can be clear, or an underlying frame.
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