Pocahontas Hero Journey

Words: 1065
Pages: 5

The hero myth is the template for every storyline in books, television shows, and films. It represents a journey of change and growth. In the hero myth, a seemingly ordinary character faces a life changing experience that alters the world he or she lives in, and it ultimately leads to a change within the character. The hero myth is not only relevant in literature and in entertainment but also in the real world. People go through life changing experiences and overcome adversities daily. Life is a journey full of endless challenges, and these experiences serve as lessons for growth and change. The character’s journey resonates with the viewer or reader for a long time; it is relatable. There is no doubt that the hero myth is apparent throughout …show more content…
The relationship leads her down a different path than originally planned. Pocahontas’s father is the chief of her tribe and arranges for her to marry a man named Kocoum because he will keep her safe and lead her down a steady path. However, Pocahontas is reluctant and unsure. She craves adventure and dreams of new experiences. Once she develops a relationship with John Smith, she is positive that she wants differently and chooses her own path. Despite her tribe’s warning of the English, she continues to sneak out and meet with John Smith. The character then begins to learn new things. Through the relationship, she begins to learn about the world outside of her own. John Smith tells her what it is like to live in London, he shows her how the English say hello by shaking hands, and he shows her what a compass is. This sparks her curiosity even more and she realizes that there is more to life. She is then able to show him how her people live to change his point of view. Pocahontas also begins to develop a passion within her. After meeting John Smith, she strives to bring peace between her people and the English. She does not want war and tries to convince her father to change his mind. To bring peace and love between two opposing forces becomes her mission; it is her goal. The interaction with John Smith is the starting point of her journey. It sets the story in …show more content…
It has become the basis for many films, books, and television shows. It is simply a journey that the main character in a story takes to achieve a transformation. It is the same experience told through different stories. There is no doubt that the hero myth is apparent throughout a variety of platforms, and in the film Pocahontas the hero myth is especially prominent because an event occurs that sets the story in motion, the character receives help from a mentor, and a transformation takes place within the character. Choosing to grab John Smith’s hand is the catalyst that leads to their relationship. This relationship leads her down a different path than expected, she began to learn new things, and it created a passion within her. Pocahontas has a spiritual mentor throughout the story called grandmother willow who gives her advice, and encourages her, and ultimately helps Pocahontas accomplish her goal. Pocahontas also goes through a transformation by the end of the film. She grows spiritually and becomes courageous and wise by sacrificing her life for John Smith. Through this act, she brings two different worlds together and restores peace. In the end, Pocahontas goes through a spiritual journey that changes her life for the