In Beowulf's Refusal of the Call, which statement best describes the King's stance?

• A. Beowulf refuses because of fear.
• B. Beowulf is banished.
• C. Hygelac orders him to stay.
• D. King Hygelac doesn’t want Beowulf to leave.

Answer: (D)

In the Hero's Journey, refusal of the call often involves a powerful authority figure—the king—wanting the hero to remain at home and fulfill duties there. This creates a tension where the hero must decide whether to follow the call to adventure despite royal wishes.

Here, Hygelac’s stance is that Beowulf should stay and continue protecting the Geats rather than leave to help others. That kind of royal hesitation sets up a test: the hero feels pulled between loyalty to his king and loyalty to a greater good beyond Geatland. Choosing to go anyway shows the courage and sense of duty that characterizes a true call to adventure, even when authority doesn’t want the hero to depart.

The other options don’t fit as well because they either misstate the king’s position or misattribute Beowulf’s motivation.