A Hero and Our Modern Day Heroes
A Hero's Journey is developed by Joseph Campbell, a mythologist. It is also called a monomyth and it is known for the common template that a story follows. It is where the main character or hero takes a sequence of events during an adventure. He/she is not a person, but an archetype that involves a combination of universal images and patterns of behavior (Scott, Jeffrey).
Hercules is an example of a story and film that follows the hero's journey template. It was produced by Walt Disney and released in 1997. The story revolves around Hercules, son of Zeus, was forced to live in the mortal world because of Hades. Then, it gradually unfolds adventures on how Hercules can return to Mount Olympus to live with the Gods.
The Ordinary World - Zeus and her wife, Hera, gave birth to Hercules. Later on, when he fell into the moral world, he is adopted by Amphitryon and Alcmene). He is not accepted by the community because of his supernatural strength that sometimes causes harm.
Call to Adventure - Hercules finds out that he is adopted and learns that he belongs to the gods. So, he went to the temple and finds his father. However, he cannot just live in Mount Olympus. He needs to prove that he is a true hero in the mortal world. Only then he can join the gods at the mountain.
Cross the First Threshold - Hercules is eager to prove to himself and other people that he is a true hero. He does not think twice and ready for the adventure that he will face. He is sent to Thebes, a city with many problems.
Trials, Friends, and Foes -Pegasus is sent by Zeus to join Hercules in his journey. Then, at Thebes, Megara or Mega calls for help because two kids are trapped. Hercules hurriedly takes action to save the children. Little did he know that the Hydra is waiting to attack, but he successfully defeated it.
Magical Mentor - Hercules tries to find Philoctetes or Phil to serve as his mentor. Phil has already trained several gods and also Achilles. However, Phil is thinking twice if he will accept the demand. In the end, he agrees and accompanies Hercules in every battle.
Dragon's Lair - Hades, the god of the underworld, sees Hercules' weakness and tries to offer an agreement to him. He states that nothing bad will happen to Meg if Hercules will surrender all his supernatural powers for 24 hours. Then, Hercules agrees to this agreement to save the life of his love.
Moment of Despair - Chaotic events are happening to the mortal world and people are asking him to help them. Hercules cannot do anything about it because he does regain his power yet. Also, Hades is planning to kill Zeus in Olympus. Then, he finds the body of Meg, thinking that she is near to death.
Ultimate Treasure - Hercules regains his strength and power because their agreement is not followed when Hades hurts Meg. Then, he goes to his father and tries to save him from the titans and Hades, who has an evil plan.
Homeward Bound - Hercules successfully defeated the Titans and rescues his father when he suddenly remembers Meg. He goes to the River Styx to save her life. He is willing to sacrifice his soul just to save the soul of his beloved.
Rebirth and The Champion's Return - At last, Hercules is safe and Meg also gains her consciousness. His string of life cannot be cut because he is a god. Later on, Hercules is now welcomed by the gods at Mount Olympus. However, he feels that he cannot live without Meg as he sees his future happily living with her. So, Hercules decides to live with Meg in the mortal world.
As shown in the film, Hercules’ heroism is commendable and admirable. In this time of the pandemic, many people can also be considered modern-day living heroes. For example, frontliners are doing everything that they can do to fulfill their duty and help their countrymen. This can be a medical doctor, nurse, teacher, security guards, janitors, delivery riders, and other essential workers. They are willing to sacrifice their welfare for the sake of others to further continue the battle against the virus. Moreover, private organizations and people offer assistance in terms of finance and food. It is a big help especially for the families who lost their job during this crisis. Lastly, simple citizens who are trying to reach and call for help in their little ways. It can be in the form of donation drives, voluntarism, sharing relevant posts on social media, and more.
Source: Google Images
Let us all remember that kindness costs nothing and there is no such thing as big or small help. May we practice heroism more often and inspire other people to reach and aid more individuals.
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