Everyday heroes

If the Man of Steel has yet to fly into your sphere, if Thor has failed to pummel his way into you heart or if Iron Man has yet to tickle your funny bone, then it’s time to get a life. Kidding aside, everyone needs a hero and you’ll be surprised at just how long they’ve been around. 

Whether or not to you, Superman will forever wear the face of Christopher Reeves or don the mask of Henry Cavill — he exists, both in our minds and in our hearts. But for many, the exercise of buying comic books and watching superhero movies is an arduous, futile participation in a fantasy world reserved only for children. Really? Only for children? The likes of Carl Jung will definitely disagree.

Although equipped with varying superpowers, differing genders, origins, and consciousness, heroes are based on myths told and retold by adults through the centuries. In an amazing book by Joseph Campbell (a student of Swiss psychologist Carl Jung), he outlines the construct of the fundamental mythical model of a hero. Based on the Jungian idea of “Archetypes,” these characters are reflections of the human mind — that is, our psyche “divides” itself into these “personalities” to play out the stages of drama in our lives. But all our stories are basically one and the same.

It is for this reason that there exists the universal power of such stories. So it’s not at all surprising why box office history has been made over and over again by the likes of Superman. Somehow, all our journeys reflect the same concerns: “What is my purpose in life?” “How do I overcome obstacles put in my path?” “What happens when I die?” Hero or human, immortal or not — we are all intertwined.

Although there is no substitute for reading the book, “cliffnotes” are always interesting. Here is an adaptation of Campbell’s work by Chris Vogler about the stages of what we term “hero.” 

1) The Hero is introduced in his ordinary world. Much of the action in these stories happens in an alternative, special world that is new to the hero. It creates the contrast needed to highlight the inner conflict and departure from a comfort zone — from everything that is familiar in an ordinary world. Similar to every day life, what is unknown to us — whether a new career path, a relationship or a country assignment — is always both scary and intriguing.

2) The call to adventure. The hero is given a challenge, a problem or an adventure. This is the proverbial “wake-up call.” It is usually a trigger that somehow spurs us to action. For us humans, it can take the form of a sudden sickness, loss or conversely, perhaps an unexpected fortune. 

3) The Hero is reluctant at first. Being faced with the greatest of all fears — the fear of the unknown — the hero is ambivalent. He/she goes through the checklist of why he/she shouldn’t embark on this journey. Oftentimes, some paths sadly end here. When faced with the possibilities of what the unknown can bring, many retreat to the familiar, ordinary world.

4) The Hero is encouraged by the wise old man or woman. As with everything, the universe wants us to succeed and will send assistance. Usually, the hero will encounter wise “Merlin-like” characters who will guide and direct their perspective, giving clarity and sometimes certainty on their path. Even in this life, we all need mentors. And like Merlin, they appear when most needed.

5) The Hero passes the first threshold.

This is the point of no return. The hero commits to his journey and the adventure begins. For us in this life, this could be as simple as signing a contract, walking down an aisle to an altar or giving birth. This is where the real story begins.

6) The Hero encounters tests and helpers.

This is when alliances are made and lines are drawn. The hero is forced to choose sides and in the process creates enemies. Each time we make decisions that are not the most popular, the universe tries to balance the odds by sending us assistance. Luke had Obi Wan, why shouldn’t you?

7) The Hero reaches the innermost cave. At this stage, the hero finally reaches the most dangerous part of his journey. The object of his quest is present but hidden — usually a loved one, a special treasure, an elixir. But to get to this, he needs to begin a journey to the depths of hell, slay a dragon or perhaps meander successfully through a labyrinth. As in all things human, this innermost cave is usually the setting for facing our innermost fears and overcoming them.

8) The Hero endures the supreme ordeal.

This is the lowest, perhaps most difficult, part of the adventure. The hero is brought to the brink of death or at least the death of a way of life or of thinking. It is a critical moment, an ordeal where the hero appears to die and is later born again. This is where much of the magic and strength of the hero myth lies —the part where as an audience we are at the edge of our seats. In real life, you never feel more alive than when you think you are about to die.

9) The Hero seizes the sword. Having cheated death, defeated the mythical monster, and slain the enemy, the hero now takes possession of his treasure. It can take the form of a physical token, such as the Holy Grail, or a reconciliation of relationships: a father with his son, a lover with his loved one. This is his proverbial moment of triumph but alas, he is not out of the woods yet …

10) The road back. This part of the hero’s path embraces the excitement of a chase by vengeful forces angry at the theft of their treasure. Like real life, we need to safeguard that which we fought so hard for. It is almost validation that we deserve the victory.

11) Resurrection. Transformed by his journey, the hero surfaces from the special alternative world to return to the ordinary. However, he now emerges extraordinary as a result of his experiences.

12) Return with the elixir. Any hero myth usually concludes with the hero successfully returning with his treasure. Otherwise, the entire journey would have been for naught. Sometimes, it is just the wisdom of his experiences that becomes the real power and strength of the story. Sometimes, it is proof that the love we seek exists. Sometimes, as they say, “it is just coming home with a good story to tell.”

Yet more than the special effects, the superpowers or even the magic swords, it is the values emulated and woven into myth that are important. It is perhaps stuff like courage, faith, perseverance, and love that makes it to the heavens and is immortalized on earth. 

You need not be superhuman to be a superhero. A Clark Kent will suffice.

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E-mail tcbautista@arkeology.org.