The Hero's Journey - Essay Example

In concurrence with such a statement, it is indicated, “The Self (or Soul) is so powerful, so determined to become wholly conscious, that it continually haunts and prods us. We crave its depth and breadth” (Hartman, MSW & Zimberoff 23). The heroes’ inner journey involves the steps of preparation, commitment to transformation and finally the mastery of the problem. The journey tests for fear and the ability to adapt fast in an attempt to unlock the mystery (c-How Woods, ND). “Ego, True Self and the Soul” The symbolic stages in the journey guide into seeing a paradigm of reality in a person’s character.

The psychological and emotional journey employs mythical dragons to test a person’s character, decisions and actions. The characters experiences are beneficial to test and strengthen their ego (Stech 28). The heroes meet the symbolic mentors to give them advice, training and motivational gifts to alienate fears and build strength. Both stories are symbolic of a spiritual journey to attaining self-actualization. The person who discovers the treasured ark must have an inner bravado. It involves the steps undertaken to confront one’s fears to attain ultimate achievement.

In the journey, their ego, strength, tolerance and ability to adapt are emphasized. In both journeys, symbolic epitomes strengthen the personas inner will. “Confronting the Guardians” The guardians are also the gatekeepers. They take the form of dragons whose role is to test the strength of the heroes in order to prepare them for the journey. “They test the strength and resolve of the hero therefore test his dedication, fortress and stamina” (Hartman, MSW & Zimberoff 26). They are intimidating and aggressive beings with great insight.

In reality, they portray the challenges experienced in real life and the usefulness of character in overcoming them. The heroes must confront the guardians to test their character and zeal. The guardians mythically allow the heroes to partake the journey. They expose the inner fears of death, weakness, mental laxity and restlessness inherent in the human beings. The heroes must challenge the dragons by fighting them, assimilate them or succumb to them (Stech 51). A similar struggle is experienced in the ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’.

The characters must evade the numerous struggles encountered during the chase for the ark. They must confront the Nazi soldiers also pursuing the ark. Moreover, in their pursuit for the treasure they venture into strange localities and even encounter thugs in Egypt, wild animals and hang on a fast moving vehicle. “Becoming Your Authentic Self-Generating New Visions” Self-actualization entails preparation to test ones capabilities and strategizing on the inputs required to strengthens the inner spirit.

The story uses mythology to explain the heroic journeys vital for self-affirming. The personas are tested for authenticity in self-generating capability that helps to generate new insights and strengthen their ability for novel exploits. Each hero discovers that it is an individual journey that they display their strength and gain capability to accomplish greater challenges. The movie covers the journey of Indiana Jones as he traverses the country in search of a secret essence held in an ark (Stech 21).

A myth follows that the secret ark holds supernatural powers beneficial to the person who accesses it. To generate new ins