Qualities of an Archetypal Hero Essay - 569 Words

Heroes are seen all around us, in life, literature, and movies. Heroes like Superman, Captain America, and Thor are common, but have you ever thought of Luke Skywalker as an archetypal hero? Luke Skywalker is an aspiring young Jedi Knight, who is called to the quest of defeating the empire in the movie Star Wars IV: A New Hope, written and directed by George Lucas. Luke Skywalker demonstrates certain characteristics before, during, and after his quest that makes him an archetypal hero. An archetypal hero must have specific characteristics before embarking on a quest. For example many heroes, experience some sort of traumatic event during childhood. In the movie Star Wars IV: A New Hope the archetypal hero Luke Skywalker experiences the†¦show more content†¦Ã¢â‚¬Å"Use the force Luke† is a phrase commonly said to Luke Skywalker by his mentor. This super natural force is crucial to Luke’s success and the completion of his quest. Once the world has been restored and the hero has completed and succeeded in his quest a transformation occurs along with a series of events. One archetypal hero event is an award presented to the hero for their cunning abilities and bravery. Luke Skywalker along with Han Solo receive medals of Honor to demonstrate their bravery, and skill at a ceremony fit for the greatest archetypal hero. This medal symbolizes more for Luke Skywalker as it demonstrates the change that has occurred within him. The characteristics of a hero archetype changes before and after his/her quest as they become more mature. Although Luke Skywalker dose not physically demonstrate a change, it is seen in him during the award ceremony. His facial expressions, clothing, posture, even hair style demonstrates a wiser more mature Luke Skywalker then the one seen at the beginning of the film. Before, after, and during an archetypal hero’s quest he/she must demonstrate certain characteristics much like the ones Luke Skywalker expressed. These characteristics are seen over and over again in several Medias, for example like Luke Skywalker, Spiderman’s parents are killed at birth and he goes and lives with his aunt and uncle. Another example ofShow MoreRelatedHeroes : The Green Knight And Oedipus1156 Words   |  5 Pages A hero is seen as a selfless and courageous individual who saves the day. Joseph Campbell, an American mythologist, once said â€Å"the hero is the man of self achieved submission.† A hero must also go through the twelve stages which include: call to adventure, assistance/departure, trials, approach, crisis, treasure, result, returning to their ordinary world, new life, resolution and returning to status quo. 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