Instructions:
Please complete the following steps for your discussion post.
After you have completed the Unit 5 material and have considered the role of the hero in pop culture, consider following questions:
What “recycled themes” are apparent in fictional or mythical hero stories? Give specific examples.
Why do these recycled themes exist so often in these stories?
How does the concept of the monomyth/Hero’s Journey and the other recycled themes in hero stories support or refute the theory of popular culture?
Sample Solution
- The call to adventure: The hero is faced with a challenge or a call to action that forces them to leave their ordinary life behind. For example, in the story of The Odyssey, Odysseus is called to adventure when he is shipwrecked on the island of Ogygia.
- The mentor: The hero is guided and mentored by a wise figure who helps them on their journey. For example, in the story of The Lord of the Rings, Gandalf the wizard mentors Frodo Baggins on his quest to destroy the One Ring.
- The tests and trials: The hero faces a series of challenges and obstacles that test their strength, courage, and character. For example, in the story of Harry Potter, Harry must face many challenges, including a giant troll, a basilisk, and Lord Voldemort himself.
- The transformation: The hero undergoes a transformation as they journey, becoming stronger, wiser, and more confident. For example, in the story of The Lion King, Simba is transformed from a carefree cub into a responsible king.
- The return home: The hero returns home, often changed and transformed by their experiences. For example, in the story of The Odyssey, Odysseus returns home to Ithaca after many years of adventure.
These recycled themes exist so often in hero stories because they are universal themes that resonate with people of all cultures and backgrounds. They explore themes of good vs. evil, courage, self-discovery, and the journey from childhood to adulthood. These themes are also appealing because they offer a sense of hope and possibility. They show us that even though we may face challenges, we can overcome them and emerge stronger and wiser.
The concept of the monomyth, or Hero's Journey, supports the theory of popular culture because it suggests that there is a common structure to all hero stories. This structure provides a framework for understanding and interpreting these stories, and it can also help us to see how they reflect our own lives.
However, the monomyth is not a perfect fit for all hero stories. Some stories may not follow the traditional structure, and some may even subvert it. Nevertheless, the monomyth can still be a useful tool for understanding and interpreting hero stories, and it can help us to see how these stories reflect our own lives.
Here are some specific examples of recycled themes in hero stories:
- Good vs. evil: This is one of the most common themes in hero stories. The hero is often pitted against a villain who represents evil. For example, in the story of Star Wars, Luke Skywalker must battle Darth Vader, the evil Sith Lord.
- Courage: Hero stories often explore the theme of courage. The hero must face many challenges and obstacles, and they must often overcome their fears in order to succeed. For example, in the story of The Hobbit, Bilbo Baggins must overcome his fear of goblins and trolls in order to help his companions on their quest.
- Self-discovery: Hero stories often explore the theme of self-discovery. The hero learns about themselves and their strengths and weaknesses as they journey. For example, in the story of The Alchemist, Santiago learns about his true calling as he travels across the desert.
- The journey from childhood to adulthood: Many hero stories explore the journey from childhood to adulthood. The hero must leave their ordinary life behind and face the challenges of the world. For example, in the story of The Lion King, Simba must learn to take responsibility for his actions and become a responsible king.
These are just a few of the recycled themes that are apparent in fictional or mythical hero stories. These themes are universal and appealing because they explore the challenges and triumphs of the human experience. They offer us hope and possibility, and they remind us that we are all capable of great things.