Introduction
Perhaps most people have heard hero stories before, especially when one is young as they form part of their inspiration. As such, a lonely individual trying to find himself embarks on an unexpected and treacherous journey that promises peril and adventure. During this period, the hero’s character, skill, and strength are tested with the ultimate battle that determines individuals’ resolve as they return home triumphantly. Drawing from Joseph Campbell’s book on the hero who had a thousand faces, Hamby (2019) has incorporated many examples of exemplary individuals through video games, books, and movies in The Hero’s Guidebook. Through the book, he shows the influence the works have on present society. Consequently, questions on the prevalence of such individuals in the 21st century remain, with the young people having ideas of flawless, staller, and a perfect individual as their hero. As a result, this has led to a major question: do heroes exist in the current era? Against this background, the paper highlights the existence and relevance of such ideas in society.
The Hero’s Journey
A hero is an individual who aspires to achieve a specific task against all odds and works persistently to get results for the benefit of other people. Furthermore, they are willing to make a difference; promoting change for the welfare of others despite obstacles. Similarly, numerous incidents indicate how anybody can become a hero depending on the journey such a person follows in life. While highlighting the same, Hamby (2019) reaffirms Campbell’s mystic hero’s journey steps one passes through that are prevalent in the present world. As such, to be deemed a conqueror, one encounters and overcomes various obstacles or stages daily. Consequently, there are three main stages of travel such as departure, initiation, and return. In addition, the journey is an archetypal universal narrative structure found in cultural stories around the world sometimes referred to as monomyth or a single story with variations. Further, coined from numerous interesting literary traditions, the term is synonymous with success stories that follow the same narrative structure regardless of its culture or period.
On one hand, many movies have been produced based on the hero’s journey while on the other hand, their major characters become role models for young people. For instance, in the Star Wars film, Luke Skywalker learns to use the force and power of Jedi, and together with his fried they destroy the death star and rescue Princess Leia. During the initial stage of departure, Skywalker leaves the home planet in Tatooine trying to conquer the Galactic Empire. Further, he undergoes tribulations and trials during initiation along the journey which he overcomes by training with Obi-Wan Kenoi. Despite all that, he destroys death hence attaining his quest (Hamby, 2019). In addition, during the return, he comes back and wins a medal in commemoration of the victory.
The Relevance of Hero’s Journey Today
Countless stories have been told in different parts of the world with the same theme to the present times. Notwithstanding, the hero’s journey in the 21st century depicts personal life experiences involving an individual’s unique gift that differs from one another. Furthermore, its relevance to personal heroes’ journey relies on the usefulness of the narrative as a monomyth making it vital for people to recognize its limitations and apply it as a principal storytelling metaphor. As such, it brings meaning to the coexistence of people in their daily life struggles. Although the challenges, trials, and obstacles faced and overcome by individuals in society may seem trivial, such experiences encourage them to do better.
Further, the idea that through persistence and practice one can acquire power and help society resonates with many people in the present world. Perhaps such ideas and actions are exemplified by heroic people such as the armed forces serving in various parts of the world. The armies are not only brave but also, variant by putting themselves in danger to save the lives and human rights of strangers around the globe.
The hero’s journey applies to people’s daily lives and can take place at home, in battle, or anywhere during one’s lifetime. Unlike the original storyline, the individuals can fail on their travels since failure is part of the journey. However, the first step is to acquire a unique personal history, differentiating one another. In addition, the second step involves change which results in self-awareness. Therefore, people are initiated into believing in themselves, and hence they can achieve set goals in life. Third, after performing their duties or doing what they were destined to accomplish, there is triumph returning home.
Conclusion
In conclusion, by looking into their lives people can find hope and courage hence heroes exist in every individual thus the relevance of the story during the 21st century. Although many might not be perfect and are prone to mistakes, they can all stand for their convictions and make a change in the community. Lastly, the ideas remain relevant in the present since people undergo continuous journeys in form of challenges throughout their lives and aspire to triumph over the obstacles.
Reference
Hamby, Z. (2019). The hero’s guidebook: Creating your own hero’s journey. Creative English Teacher Press.