Busting the Myth of Lone Heroes

We think of them as lone heroes, but they’re really rarely alone. Still, they seem to have become the embodiment of an impossible ideal we have subconsciously accepted – the idea that it is preferable to be completely independent. Our society has long promoted the ideals of individualism and autonomy, but these famous examples all have backup! Whether sidekicks or family, love interests or butlers, or entire teams, they show us that none of us need to feel the need to do anything alone, if even the most super of heroes don’t. Let’s bust the myth of the lone hero and begin to allow ourselves to thrive in community, like our heroes really do. Let’s choose to be our best individual and unique selves, AND let others help, support and love us. Maybe that’s the real lesson they teach us: we are stronger together.

Let Your True Self Shine

Superman is the classic lone hero, isn’t he? Being the only survivor from his planet to call Earth his home, and the super strength and abilities it gave him, has made him rather singular. Still, it is his love from and for his family (both human and extra-planetary), and later for Lois Lane, that give him the compassion to want to save anyone. He makes the effort to blend in and seem weaker than he really is so that he can connect to others and feel so alone. Eventually, he made some Super Friends who saved the world with him. What we can learn from him is that whether he hid his identity or not, he found support and friendship. But it is when he let the truth of himself, both his strength and his vulnerability, be known, that he could be most fully himself, AND do the most good.

Heart Over Ego

Harry Potter may have been the Chosen One, but as he says in the movie The Order of the Phoenix (2007) “…the truth is most of that was just luck. I didn't know what I was doing half the time, I nearly always had help....”. Hermione and Ron were by his side most of the time, and many of his classmates and professors supported him, even when he wasn’t aware of it. Animals and mythical creatures even joined in! This is a good example of the term “pronoia”--the feeling that everything in the Universe is conspiring to help. However, there is a reason others want to help him--his humility. He grew up in an environment that sought to negate his true self. His lack of ego around his fame in the magical world made him an approachable, sympathetic hero. We excel too when we choose heart over ego.

The Role is Not Who We Are

The Lone Ranger, despite his name, was never alone. He had Silver, his horse, and his friend Tonto with him. Of course, his name originates from being the only one of six Texas Rangers to have survived a showdown. He hid his individual identity, to step into a role that served Justice. Though the name and the character have lasted far longer than his origin story, today we can remember that if even the Lone Ranger didn’t have to be alone, neither do we. A trusty steed, a loving pet, or a knowledgeable partner can make all the difference as we pursue our quest. And we can remember to take off the mask, step out of the role, and just be a friend and support to those who ride with us. In doing so, we don’t get lost in the role, and embrace ALL of who we truly are.

Join Those We Admire

Another character whose name indicates that he works alone, Han almost never acts solo. Chewbacca is his sidekick long before Luke and Obi-Wan show up, and once they meet Leia, they work as unit. We can understand that individual freedom was the most important thing to him, until he found people to admire and love, and he admired these people because they believed in a cause worth joining. Then freedom became not just an individual pursuit, but a true calling that brought with it a group of like-minded individuals. Star Wars creator, George Lucas, is quoted as describing Han Solo as "a loner who realizes the importance of being part of a group, and helping for the common good". He went from being a clever smuggler and escape artist to being a leader, loved and respected by royalty! When we allow our best selves to come forth, we become regal.

Understanding Interpreters Needed

Sherlock Holmes is brilliant, but a misanthrope, and yet he is never without the assistance of his close friend, Dr. Watson. Watson helps Holmes connect to the rest of the world. People who would otherwise be put off by his arrogance and disinterest in social niceties are able to appreciate his abilities and forgive his oddness with the help of Watson. Watson is highly intelligent as well, but more interested in sharing insights with the world at large, which is why he began writing down his adventures with Sherlock Holmes. Sherlock’s intelligence seems to take up most of his attention and energy, and he has none left for politeness with people he deems far less intelligent. We all need someone who appreciates our talents and uniqueness and can share that appreciation with the rest of the world. And we can be that for someone too.

Leadership Guides the Way

Bruce Wayne may have lost his parents, but he was fortunate enough to have Alfred as his legal guardian and butler by his side growing up. He found a mentor in Ra’s al Ghul, and then once he became a caped crusader, Alfred helped him, as did Commissioner Gordon. Later he took on sidekicks like Robin and Batgirl. Batman was able to find another route to Justice, with the same end goal as Commissioner Gordon, who was limited to working within the existing system. Because of Batman’s successes, he drew others to him who wanted to help. We can join in with those whose path excites and interests us, and share our unique skills, talents and insights to reach the same goals. It may be just a stepping stone, or a lifelong partnership, but either way, we are letting our highest ideals lead the way.