(no subject)
Someday, I will make a post that has an actual point to it.
BUT NOT TODAY.
So, in English we're studying literary archetypes and while I'm going over the "Literary Hero", I notice something...
1. The hero is often of obscure or mysteriois origin, not a societal figure.
Can't get more obscure than a twelve-year-old monk who's not even supposed to be alive
And, you know, it's not like you come across glowing people in icebergs regularly. ;)
2. The hero is called upon to make a journey or to honor a request out of urgent necessity.
Roku: SO AANG HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT MASTERING ALL FOUR ELEMENTS IN UNDER A YEAR AND TAKING ON ARGUABLY THE GREATEST FIREBENDER IN THE WORLD? :D :D
Aang: Uh...
Roku: LOL TOO BAD YOU DON'T REALLY HAVE A CHOICE~
3. The hero is neither a fool nor is he invincible. He must know fear or he cannot be heroic. He has faults and weaknesses.
4. The hero's way is not always clear to him or direct.
No pictures because there are too many instances of this. Seriously, does Aang ever actually know what he's doing? xD
5. The hero always has a goal.
6. The hero's way is beset with loneliness, danger, temptation, and rejection.
7. The hero is often surrounded by people but is still alone. Quest tales include the hero's friends, disciples, servants, but they are little help to him.
Obviously, this one doesn't fit.
8. The hero is tempted to forgo his quest. He is often tempted away from his search by what he desires most, whether it be food, water, women, wealth, etc.
The second sentence doesn't really apply to Aang, but Aang is tempted to ignore his duties as the avatar, because it's not what he wants.
9. The hero will sometimes have a guide who can either help or hinder him.
Jeong-Jeong
Bumi
Katara
Toph
Guru Patik
And um. There are more, but I think you get the picture.
10. The hero suffers a wound - physical or otherwise - during his quest. He does not die from this wound.
11. The hero must descend into darkness (KOH FTW). This darkness is usually figurative. He must go alone to a dreaded place which usually involves a confrontation with death, purification, growing up, etc.
12. The hero is never the same when he emerges from his quest as he was when he started. He also never finds what he was looking for; instead, he finds something much more valuable. He often finds himself.
In conclusion, Aang is made of win.
BUT NOT TODAY.
So, in English we're studying literary archetypes and while I'm going over the "Literary Hero", I notice something...
1. The hero is often of obscure or mysteriois origin, not a societal figure.
Can't get more obscure than a twelve-year-old monk who's not even supposed to be alive
And, you know, it's not like you come across glowing people in icebergs regularly. ;)
2. The hero is called upon to make a journey or to honor a request out of urgent necessity.
Roku: SO AANG HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT MASTERING ALL FOUR ELEMENTS IN UNDER A YEAR AND TAKING ON ARGUABLY THE GREATEST FIREBENDER IN THE WORLD? :D :D
Aang: Uh...
Roku: LOL TOO BAD YOU DON'T REALLY HAVE A CHOICE~
3. The hero is neither a fool nor is he invincible. He must know fear or he cannot be heroic. He has faults and weaknesses.
4. The hero's way is not always clear to him or direct.
No pictures because there are too many instances of this. Seriously, does Aang ever actually know what he's doing? xD
5. The hero always has a goal.
6. The hero's way is beset with loneliness, danger, temptation, and rejection.
7. The hero is often surrounded by people but is still alone. Quest tales include the hero's friends, disciples, servants, but they are little help to him.
Obviously, this one doesn't fit.
8. The hero is tempted to forgo his quest. He is often tempted away from his search by what he desires most, whether it be food, water, women, wealth, etc.
The second sentence doesn't really apply to Aang, but Aang is tempted to ignore his duties as the avatar, because it's not what he wants.
9. The hero will sometimes have a guide who can either help or hinder him.
Jeong-Jeong
Bumi
Katara
Toph
Guru Patik
And um. There are more, but I think you get the picture.
10. The hero suffers a wound - physical or otherwise - during his quest. He does not die from this wound.
11. The hero must descend into darkness (KOH FTW). This darkness is usually figurative. He must go alone to a dreaded place which usually involves a confrontation with death, purification, growing up, etc.
12. The hero is never the same when he emerges from his quest as he was when he started. He also never finds what he was looking for; instead, he finds something much more valuable. He often finds himself.
In conclusion, Aang is made of win.