Modern Myths
Aug. 27th, 2008 06:24 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
filkertomSome stories become larger than themselves.
They are the tales that we all know -- even those of us who may not have ever seen them at least know of them. They are more than cultural reference points; they have grown and expanded and shifted and evolved and become ours. (Which is, no doubt, frustrating as hell to Rick Berman, George Lucas, and J. K. Rowling in particular.)
Star Trek. The explorers, the men and women of action, constantly finding new realities and facing new challenges... and charged to keep the peace while doing so.
Star Wars. The epic quest, taking the humble farm boy and showing that he is after all a prince... and there's a princess to save, an evil emperor to topple, a father to be redeemed.
Superman. The savior, the one so apart from us that he alone has the ability to do what we cannot... and yet he works only for our good, and does not think of himself as special but as fortunate to be able to use his gifts to help people.
Batman. The wronged child, who grows up to actually right the wrongs committed upon him, and who struggles constantly to ensure such wrongs are never committed upon anyone else... so much so that he essentially relinquishes what we would consider a "normal" life to pursue his goals.
Indiana Jones. The quintessential Tough Guy who would rather not be in a fight in the first place... the man who simply will not give up.
Doctor Who. The one who's alone, more alone than anyone has ever been, constantly seeking distraction, companionship, and redemption... and the one whose luck, skill, and knack for solving even the worst situations makes him the wonder and terror of a million worlds.
Harry Potter. The boy who is nothing, a footnote... except his wicked aunt and uncle have been hiding his true heritage from him. He's famous, wealthy, and burdened with a terrible destiny. And he has a mentor, friends, and family... quite a number of whom will die.
Others. Pick your favorites, and why.
They are the tales that we all know -- even those of us who may not have ever seen them at least know of them. They are more than cultural reference points; they have grown and expanded and shifted and evolved and become ours. (Which is, no doubt, frustrating as hell to Rick Berman, George Lucas, and J. K. Rowling in particular.)
Star Trek. The explorers, the men and women of action, constantly finding new realities and facing new challenges... and charged to keep the peace while doing so.
Star Wars. The epic quest, taking the humble farm boy and showing that he is after all a prince... and there's a princess to save, an evil emperor to topple, a father to be redeemed.
Superman. The savior, the one so apart from us that he alone has the ability to do what we cannot... and yet he works only for our good, and does not think of himself as special but as fortunate to be able to use his gifts to help people.
Batman. The wronged child, who grows up to actually right the wrongs committed upon him, and who struggles constantly to ensure such wrongs are never committed upon anyone else... so much so that he essentially relinquishes what we would consider a "normal" life to pursue his goals.
Indiana Jones. The quintessential Tough Guy who would rather not be in a fight in the first place... the man who simply will not give up.
Doctor Who. The one who's alone, more alone than anyone has ever been, constantly seeking distraction, companionship, and redemption... and the one whose luck, skill, and knack for solving even the worst situations makes him the wonder and terror of a million worlds.
Harry Potter. The boy who is nothing, a footnote... except his wicked aunt and uncle have been hiding his true heritage from him. He's famous, wealthy, and burdened with a terrible destiny. And he has a mentor, friends, and family... quite a number of whom will die.
Others. Pick your favorites, and why.
![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
(no subject)
Date: 2008-08-27 10:49 pm (UTC)Brains over brawn, inventiveness, improvisation.
(no subject)
Date: 2008-08-27 10:57 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2008-08-28 12:02 am (UTC)I feel like I do this every day. There's a word for it?
(no subject)
Date: 2008-08-28 12:29 am (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2008-08-28 02:24 am (UTC)