Magic Flight

Do you feel like the Magic Flight is cheating? And that the hero found his way there and can find his own way home?

I don’t believe that the Magic Flight is cheating in any way, as cheating implies that the Hero is deceitful or dishonest in some way. I actually see this stage as quite the opposite. It is the Hero submitting himself; he knows that he requires help and is not ashamed to accept that which comes to his aid.

Woman as Temptress

There are many cases in which temptations affect me. One of the biggest ones is the temptation to watch TV or go on facebook instead of having quiet time with God. Another temptation in my life is gossip. Often I will fall into the trap of not even realising that I am doing it, because it just seems like everyone is doing it. Then, later I will feel guilty but still, I will fall into the trap again and again. The devil will tempt us all in our lives as Christians, but we must learn to resist them.

The “Belly of the Whale”

In the well-known films Star Wars, The Lion King, Gladiator and Superman, the heroes all experience “the Belly of the Whale”. Star Wars, The Lion King and Gladiator all show “the Belly of the Whale” in the form of tragedy experienced by the characters. This, in Star Wars, was Luke, Princess Leia etc. all being trapped in a giant garbage crusher which slowly closed in, trapping them. They panicked and were in great fear of death. Tragedy in The Lion King, came when Simba’s father is killed, trying to save him from a stampede of wild animals. Simba’s whole world is crushed and after persuasion from his Uncle, runs away, leaving everything behind. Tragedy in Gladiator is shown when Maximus loses everything: his wife, child, estate, job and title as soldier. In Superman, however, he does not experience “the belly of the whale” in the form of tragedy, but rather in discovery. His identity and family history is exposed when he is provided with knowledge by his father. All the characters from these four movies, are then morphed through their experiences. So “the belly of the whale” can come in death, loss, tragedy or even in discovery. The key point is that the character is morphed.

Supernatural Aid

Movie Example:

In ‘Aladdin’, Aladdin is desperate to find a way to win princess Jasmine’s heart. He is merely a poor peasant boy with a cheeky monkey, Aboo, but his luck quickly changes upon collecting a golden lamp in a scary cave. It holds supernatural aid, Genie, who is able to grant Aladdin three wishes, and therefore hopefully him along to impressing Jasmine and winning her heart. However, there is a catch: Genie cannot make a person fall in love. Aladdin requests other wishes, instead, which make him very rich. This however is not what Jasmine values in a potential bachelor. As in all Disney movies though, the two end up living happily ever after.

Without supernatural aid, who knows, perhaps Aladdin and Jasmine would not have ended up together!

Biblical Example:

God promises the Israelites the land of Jericho. He instructs them to march around the city’s walls 7 times a day for 7 days. On the last round, they blow their trumpets and with God’s supernatural aid, the walls crumble and collapse, providing them with the long awaited ‘Promise Land’.  I cannot even begin to imagine how incredible this must of been: the deafening sound of solid city walls falling from their foundations and the clouds of dust rising from the ruined city.

I think that God’s supernatural aid is the most awesome of all. It is more powerful than any superhero and more miraculous than any form of magic. With God, anything is possible.

1 film example of ‘Call to Adventure’: Finding Nemo

In Finding Nemo, the call for Marlin to search for Nemo is irresistible because Nemo is his only son, only child and only family relation. Nemo is precious and when he is taken away from him, nothing could more destroy Marlin’s perfect world. On his adventure of seeking Nemo, Marlin discovers that there is more to the ocean than just his little reef; it is full of danger but also weird and wonderful creatures. His circumstances change as a result of his call because he is forced outside of his comfort zone and into an environment with which he is totally unfamiliar. On conclusion of the adventure, upon finally reuniting with Nemo, Marlin’s world view has been completely transformed.

yay :)

enjoying this lovely class.