Stereotypes To Grow Facial Hair

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The first and possibly most readily identifiable stereotype to be discussed is that of the wizened sage. Facial hair has long been used as a signifier of wisdom. Having the ability to grow facial hair implies a certain level of experience in the world, and when used as a symbol for wisdom, the beard is often long and white, which connotes aging and more time spent living in the world. However, it is widely recognised that age itself does not equate to wisdom, and many cultures have considered those who are beardless to be less experienced and wise than those with facial hair, regardless of their age. ‘For though Wisdom and Folly be found in all Ages, and there be as many old fools as young hair-brains, yet the Beard is a sign of Experience, …show more content…

These characters are rarely the protagonist, and instead usually come in the form of the person who sets off the inciting incident. The type of facial hair used as a symbol in this case is often long, and almost always white. It signifies age and a knowledge and experience of the world that the protagonist is lacking in, and is often accompanied by long robes or other clothing that is indicative of mysticism. One of the earliest examples of this is seen in the character of Merlin, who helped Arthur Pendragon on his path to becoming king. Merlin has been depicted with a long, white beard since early illustrations in the 20th century, and has continued to be shown in this way through the ages and up until films such as The Sword in the Stone and Quest for Camelot. It has been said of Merlin that ‘his long, white beard punctuates his male sagacity and his slight figure the wizeness of physical decline.’ He is the classic example of the wise mentor who makes the hero’s journey possible. Merlin’s beard has become such an iconic part of his appearance that ‘a few lines will create him, sketching the pointed hat and the long beard, plus a magic wand and someone to teach.’ Merlin is instantly recognisable with his beard, and ‘facial hair has become so much associated with Merlin that Rowling does not need to clarify her introduction of the phrase “Merlin’s beard” as an exclamation in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire’. In the Midde Ages, Merlin’s wisdom and knowledge was mainly of a political nature, but ‘the white beard that medievalizing Romanticism gave Merlin has made him an educationally transgenerational grandfather figure in the time of Freudian dissent with parents, as seen in his multicultural avatars Obi-Wan Kenobi, Dumbledore and

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