Heroes accept the possibility of sacrifice

neilkant · Mar 16, 2012

"True heroism is shown in stories when heroes offer themselves on the altar of chance, willing to take the risk that their quest for adventure may lead to danger, loss or death. Like soldiers who know that by enlisting they have agreed to give their lives if their country asks them to, Heroes accept the possibility of sacrifice."

That's an excerpt from Christopher Vogler's, "The Writer's Journey." I love the way he interprets Joseph Campbell and synthesizes dream, myth and modern story.

Anyone else read this one?

thothguard51 · Mar 16, 2012

I am not sure I agree that the hero MC accepts the fact of sacrifice. I have read many a book where the hero MC is a reluctant hero and will look for anyway not to sacrifice them self.

I give you one example...The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant the Unbeliever, by Stephen Donaldson.

Every character in the story has accepted Covenant as the hero, who will save the land. But Covenant does not believe in the land, or that he is a hero, and goes out of his way to avoid accepting any responsibility. Other sacrifice their self for him, until finally he is forced to react, to save the land, because he can not take anyone else sacrificing them self for him.

Heroes accept the possibility of sacrifice

neilkant

thothguard51

A Gentleman of a refined age...