Heroism In The Hero's Hero

When you think about heroism, who comes to mind? Did you think of someone such as Superman, Sherlock Holmes, or your parents? Regardless of whom you choose, what characteristics of this hero embody your ideology of heroism? Historically, heroes were bronzy men with bulging muscles who slew villainous oppressors. Yet to my own belief, modern-day heroes are not required to be physically adept, but rather, heroes need to be authentically driven to overcoming oppression to fortify strength.

Growing up in the late 90s, I recall spending incalculable hours in front of my family’s television watching my childhood hero Scooby Doo. With programs ranging from “Scooby- Doo, Where Are You,” “A Pup Named Scooby-Doo,” and the live-action and animated films,

From reading The Hero’s Adventure, Campbell’s core descriptions of heroism are rooted into three aspects- going beyond society’s view of normal, going on a three-phased adventure, and returning with a given deed. In every account of heroism, Joseph Campbell discovered the common connection of three phases- the departure, the initiation, and the return. As each of these phases encompasses their own set of criteria and challenges, Joseph Campbell emphasizes that a hero must return with a deed. This deed can either be a physical deed or a hero can return with a spiritual deed (152). Joseph Campbell may be one of the most famous writers on heroism, but there are multiple perspectives on this

Unlike Joseph Campbell, Joseph Loeb and Tom Morris describe heroism as individuals who rise above the universal and altogether concern for the self and rather focus on the needs of others, serving the greater good and being selfless. (11). What made this definition superb compared to Joseph Campbell’s it that is breaks down the stereotypical hero and gives perspective to the everyday heroes. As stated in their work, “what’s so heroic about stopping an armed robbery if your skin is bulletproof and your strength is irresistible by an ordinary, or even extraordinary, street thug? (12). Yes, superhero’s have vulnerabilities within their character, but characters of all genres display tremendous acts of heroism, often overlooked to be considered heroic.

In The Fairy Tale Hero, author Max Lüthi stated that “The fairytale hero, or heroine, to be sure, is sometimes a rollicking daredevil and sometimes a silent sufferer; at times a lazy bones and at times a diligent helper, often sly and willy but just as open and honest” (316). Within this statement, the author reveals that heroes pertain to numerous archetypes, not just to the warrior, but rather, they can be the fools or caregiver who save the day