Literary criticism helps readers engage with a literary work by allowing them to grasp the roots/deep emotions portrayed. Literary theories can be presented as different branches that evolve from literary criticism, which help us classify a work and its genre. Archetypal theory can be used to analyze the Beowulf epic and its profound symbolism. Archetypal theory allows us to focus on the analytical aspect of the symbols and settings of a literary work. Located in the literary work of Beowulf, symbolism takes on a large role in the overall plot. Among the vast symbolisms used in Beowulf, archetypal theory helps us understand and discover the secrets veiled in them. “So Hrothgar's men lived happily in his hall until the monster, that demon, moved” (Raffel 40). The mead hall becomes a vital part in Beowulf, as it is where the demon Grendel comes into view bringing with him a period of repression. Together with the archetypal theory we can grasp particular crucial points. Examples of this are found on the name of King Hrothgar's mead hall (Heorot). In its conversion into modern English the term Heorot comes to mean "Hall of the Stag", where stag stands for a male stag. Examining this term with the support of our knowledge we can understand that a deer is a vulnerable animal/prey, prey not only to other animals but to many other threats, including us humans. With a deeper understanding we can determine that such hidden symbolism may embody the fact that the king's mead hall was defenseless and destined to suffer the malevolent attacks of the demon Grendel. With the support of the archetypal theory we are able to dismember significant aspects regarding the tri... half of the paper... linked to the archetypal theory. After being mortally wounded in the battle against the dragon, Beowulf ordered his best friend Wiglaf to build a monument in his honor. “Then the Geats built the tower, as Beowulf had asked, strong and high, so that sailors could find it from every part of the world” (Raffel 63). Such a monument could be seen by those sailing through the area. By analyzing this event we are able to consider the Beowulf character/monument as a symbol of hope, the fact that it is visible to those at sea means that it is a perceptible form of hope for the lives of others. While providing a more emergent experience in engaging with a literary work, literary criticism offers readers the ability to grasp the emotions/roots depicted and appreciate their value. The archetypal theory can be fundamental to scrutinize the Beowulf epic and its heavy value of symbolism.