Samurai Jack: The Hero's Journey

Films such as Sleeping Beauty, Harry Potter and Star Wars are all examples of fictional short stories that include a protagonist; the hero of the plot, and an antagonist; the obstacle the protagonist must overcome. The hero must overcome all obstacles and challenges in order for them to be successful in their quest.

In the fictional tale of Samurai Jack, the emperor's son Jack must abandon his home via boat so he can be protected from the evil Aku. The boat in which Jack makes his journey symbolizes a safe passage. For Jack, that safety relies in the hands of his future mentors and guardians who will strengthen his skills and prepare him for his revenge against the antagonist; Aku, who's goal is to take over Jack's village and its people and make them his slaves. Jack then goes through the initiation stage of his journey, which takes place when he meets his mentors. As he interacts with his new teachers, Jack takes part in various tasks such as horse riding, sword fighting and practice aiming with a bow and arrow, which all contribute to strengthening his skills for his ultimate battle. Jack is always seen wearing a white rob as he trains, and white symbolizes purity, cleanliness and strength. Therefore Jack can be characterized as being a strong and purifying individual who is open to new opportunities and beginnings. As Jack matures, he learns to become a better protector of his village and family by overcoming many conflicts that help him to become a better hero. After countless hours of training, Jack is encountered with the feminine--his mother, who he has not seen since he was a child--and begins to undergo the innermost cave of his quest. Jack's mother presents him with the sacred sword, which is supposed to assist him in his quest. With this token, Jack set's off on his journey. Since we only watched the first episode, we have yet to witness Jack's ultimate battle with Aku and his rebirth into society. From the first episode, it is clear that this fictional plot is based on a haven vs. wilderness archetype, which perfectly describes Jack's journey as he is resided within a safe place to regain health and resources by his training, also referred to as the haven. Not like the dark cave Aku resides in, also referred to as the wilderness.

Other fictional tales such as Harry Potter also carry out a similar plot as 'Samurai Jack'. From when he was a baby, Harry has had the misfortune of witnessing both his mother and fathers deaths', which left him feeling abandoned and alone. In the same way, Jack was also abandoned from his home and family when he was forced to leave them behind so he could be protected from evil. Soon enough though, Harry is assisted by a chubby man whom he refers to as Hagrid, from a magical school called Hogwarts. Eventually, Hagrid becomes one of Harry's well trusted and reliable mentors and role models. Similarly, Jack is also assisted with individuals whom he has never met before, that he eventually considers as his role models and mentors as well. Hogwarts is known as the home of wizards in this films fictional world, who attend and become students so they can be successful in the necessary skills needed to succeed in the tasks associated with their own wizarding world. Harry has lived all his life at Hogwarts school as a student and made great friends such as Ron and Hermione that help him overcome the many magical, social, and emotional problems he faces in life. Throughout his stay at Hogwarts, Harry has also learned spells and magic that strengthen his skills for his ultimate confrontation with the antagonist; Lord Voldemort, who is considered to be Harry's greatest test and quest. Similarly, Jack must confront his antagonist Aku as well, after a length of time that he must use to prepare himself for his greatest battle. Both heros must undergo a lengthy road of trials that will result in the prosperity and achievement of conquering their own personal quests.

In modern day society, everyone is mostly attracted to the same kind of plot, and writers also re-write the same story of heros in mythology as well, because to them and others, it is worth writing about and spending time on, because they know that a majority of people in society go after these particular films and stories. Even in many popular novels such as Star Wars or Batman, the main character is always the hero or heroine who has found or done something beyond the normal range of achievement and experience, which is why modern society is attracted to such films because they like to witness a new approach of the protagonist actions. Clearly aware that in everyday life that scenario is not possible, they can still use their imaginations to make it possible. To them a hero is viewed as a role model, not only to the youth but to older individuals as well, because they believe that a hero is someone who gives up their own life, to something bigger than oneself. In return, it sets a good example of what people can do to make their lives better, rather than accepting defeat and making situations worse, it gives others various different ideas to approach such situations in real life.