A Contrast of Heroes

Have you ever considered why we elevate certain beings to the top? Why do look upon those who do heroic things as the greatest and most high, and why, to go further, do we lust to do the same?

The human race loves the story of the underdog. The one who is weak and powerless. Those such as Peter Parker, Steve Rogers, and Frodo Baggins. But, what we love even more is the story of the underdog suddenly being bestowed superhuman abilities or great power. Those who go from zero to hero are our favorite heroes.

Some people go looking for power, like Steve Rogers who received the Super Soldier Serum and became Captain America. But, Steve was not power hungry. He simply wanted to serve the US in WWII. Peter Parker unknowingly received his powers after being bit by a "Super Spider." Throughout the course of three movies he battles with himself inwardly weather he wants to continue to Spiderman or not. In the end, he resolves to continue to shoot webs across NYC.  And then there those who are have power forced down their throats. They do not choose or want the power, they simply receive it. Frodo Baggins is a good example of this. He is gifted the Ring of Power when Gandalf forces his uncle Bilbo to give Frodo the Ring. Then Frodo forgets about it, not knowing just how powerful and evil it is. Then, when the ultimate choice comes of whether or not he will destroy the Ring, Frodo is consumed by its power.

The other story of power and heroes is that of those who have the world in there lap. They can do anything they want, and they craft themselves an image of heroism. Examples of this are Tony Stark, Thor, and Boromir.

Tony Stark crafts himself a mechanical suit and dubs himself Iron Man. He is genius who can do anything, and he decides he wants to be a hero. He is utterly invincible. When he talks to people he is either right, or funny when hes wrong. Iron Man was most definitely not an underdog. Thor is much different breed. He is born the Norse god of thunder and has been raised to use his immense power to satisfy himself alone. Through turmoil with his half brother Loki he becomes just little more soft hearted, but still lusts for battle. Boromir was raised to be a warrior. He was the son of the Steward of Gondor during a dark and evil era of Gondor. His childhood was spent honing his skill with the sword and spear. He was master strategist and the epitome of what Gondor used to represent.

The "invincible" spectrum of heroes is the most corruptible. Iron man says himself that he is a "Millionaire, genius, playboy, philanthropist." Tony stark is enjoying the ways of the world to extreme while those like Steve Roger, the epitome of human weakness, just want to serve there country. Thor simply lusts for blood and abuses the power of his hammer, Mjolnir. Boromir was raised to as a prince. He knows what he wants and how to get it. He approaches Frodo at Amon Hen and tells him that they should bring the Ring to Minas Tirith and use it against Sauron. Frodo refuses, and Boromir becomes enraged. He attacks Frodo, who runs for his life.

Our generation has been raised to love the invincible. We are taught that in life you should have everything  you want and nothing should stand in you way. If you can just have that one thing, you'll be better off. If you can hide your emotions and not let anyone see your weakness, you will be the best person you can. These are the lies taught to us by society.

So what hero are you drawn to more? The Iron Mans or the Frodos?