My Favorite Modern Day Myth. Superman!! Spoiler Alert!
Wow. Where to begin with Joseph Campbell’s, The Hero With A Thousand Faces? This is one of those books that has been on my radar for years after reading The Power of Myth, but I never quite got around to reading this one. It is dense, complex, and pulls together multiple fields of study to help make sense of the human experience by examining large amounts of cultural mythologies.
While reading through the hero’s journey I couldn’t help but picture my all-time favorite modern day myth, Superman. As I went through the chapters I could map out most of those pivotal checkpoints, Campbell mentions, onto the Man of Steel (pictured above).
I began to really appreciate Superman’s character while watching a show called Smallville on the CW while in high school. Then it really kicked up a notch when Zack Synder developed a version of the character that was grounded, complex, and unconventional. I realize some people have no clue about these films or its director, and according to Rotten Tomatoes, some people don’t like them at all.
Not me. Man of Steel, Batman v Superman, and Zack Synder’s Justice League are my favorite movies. They have mythology, philosophy, spiritual parallels, and of course, amazing action.
That’s right. It sounds crazy, but this contemporary mythology about an alien from another planet, who can fly, and shoot lasers from his eyes speaks to me on a deep level. Yes. I’m a nerd.
Joseph Campbell claims, “And so, to grasp the full value of the mythological figures that have come down to us, we must understand that they are not only symptoms of the unconscious (as indeed are all human thoughts and acts) but also controlled and intended statements of certain spiritual principles, which have remained as constant throughout the course of human history as the form and nervous structure of the human physique itself.” [1]
Zack Synder, the director of these films, has admitted that his version of Superman is an archetype of Christ. There are Christ like images, parallels, and metaphors scattered throughout his trilogy. Someone on social media asked why Batman, with all his technology, made a Kryptonite spear to kill Superman? This image of a spear piercing Jesus was the director’s response.
Spoiler alert. These movies take the audience through the life, death, and resurrection of Clark Kent (Superman). Sound familiar? Which brings us to the idea surrounding the quote mentioned above from Campbell.
Mythological figures and narratives are excellent vehicles to carry and convey spiritual principles.
While reading this book, it becomes clear that for Campbell, mythologies are effective vehicles for cultures to convey universal struggles and spiritual truths for those inside (sometimes outside) their communities and later generations. According to Joseph, the peculiar thing about myths from around the world, when compared, is the common heroic formula that emerges.
“The standard parts of the mythological adventure of the hero is a magnification of the formula represented in the rites of passage: separation-initiation-return: which might be named the nuclear unit of monolith.” [2]
I want to focus more on the return. The ultimate end game for a hero isn’t to just defeat the monster and live happily ever after, but to allow the uncomfortable thresholds, unfamiliar territories, struggles, temptations, and trials to shape them into the best versions of themselves for the sake of others.
In Man of Steel, Superman is guided by his adopted parents and biological Father (Jor-El). They continually remind him that he can be a symbol of hope for earth and a light that inspires humanity toward good (once again, sound familiar). The end of the hero’s journey, depicted in Campbell’s diagram, has “Elixir” as the culmination before the returning back to “normal life”. The hero’s journey and struggle allows them to bring something healing, useful, and life-giving back to his or her world.[3]
Campbell, sharing the story about Buddha being encouraged to share his newfound wisdom with others, says, “The Buddha was thus persuaded to proclaim the path. And he went back into the cities of men where he moved among the citizens of the world, bestowing the inestimable boon of the knowledge of the Way.” [4] This same principle is true as Moses returns with the law from Mount Sinai. In the Jewish narratives Moses undergoes multiple trials and hurdles that ultimately benefits and sets apart an emerging nation.
When we investigate the Gospels we read how Jesus grew in favor with God and man, experienced temptations in the wilderness, was full of the Spirit, was challenged by religious and political figures, was guided by his Father, was misunderstood and misperceived, found allies in unexpected places, brought healing to those who needed it, accepted those who were excluded, was rejected and betrayed, was ministered to by angels, was crucified, then resurrected. Interestingly, throughout these narratives, Jesus repeatedly says “Follow me”. Uh oh.
To be clear, I don’t believe “following Jesus” means mimicking Jesus’ life in every detail since he did live in first century Palestine, but I believe he embodied a way for us to live. He also provided a Spirit for us to follow in the 21st century, which I think plays out differently in each one of our lives and contexts. When it comes to hero’s, societies are much more inclined to admire, marvel, and worship these individuals than attempt to follow in their footsteps. I know I’m guilty. It’s way easier for me to sing a song, share a verse, or ascribe to a doctrine then step through one of those uncomfortable spiritual, missional, or psychological thresholds that might move me into the next stage of my own “hero’s journey”, even when I know deep down it is for the sake of others.
I know I can’t fly, bend steel, see through walls, or move at the speed of light, but something about the mythological figure, Superman (who symbolizes my ultimate hero), inspires me to step across thresholds, embrace challenges, and accept the call that carries with it struggles and metaphorical deaths of various kinds for the sake of others.
All three of these movies are on HBO Max. You’re Welcome!!
[1] Campbell, Joseph. The Hero with a Thousand Faces, (Novato, CA: New World Library, 1949), 220.
[2] Ibid., 23.
[3] Ibid., 210.
[4] Ibid., 27.
About the Author
Adam Harris
I am currently the Associate Pastor at a church called Godwhy in Hendersonville, TN near Nashville. We love questions and love people even more. Our faith community embraces God and education wholeheartedly. I graduated from Oral Roberts University for undergrad and Vanderbilt for my masters. I teach historical critical Biblical studies at my church to help our community through their questions and ultimately deepen their faith. I love research, writing, learning, and teaching. I oversee our staff and leadership development. Before being at Godwhy I worked as a regional sales coach and director for Anytime Fitness. I've been married for over 13 years to my best friend and we have two amazing boys that keep us busy.8 responses to “My Favorite Modern Day Myth. Superman!! Spoiler Alert!”
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Too fun. I am also a superman fan. His story works for me. Loved the pictures.
What caught my eye was your comment on Buddha. “Campbell, sharing the story about Buddha being encouraged to share his newfound wisdom with others.”
The cycle of rebirth achieving (coming home?) Bodhisattva status = (in Mahayana Buddhism) a person who is able to reach nirvana but delays doing so out of compassion in order to save suffering beings.
This a theology that I grew up with in Hawaii. Koreans, Chinese, Japanese immigrants all had their own variations of it.
As my generation grew up, much of this theology lost its impact. It did not fill the God shaped void in our hearts. One of our US Senator Hiram Fong called my generation bananas, yellow on the outside white on the inside.
I mention this because while Campbell did a bang up job in collection different myths (which tried to explain the spiritual dimension), I feel that he places Christ on the Shelf, with Siddhartha, and Lao Tzu. Equally valid, equally profound.
I watched a couple videos of him speaking and could not shake the feeling that he was a catholic/animist.
Coming from a similar background myself, I did not think he added to our spiritual goal of “glorifying God” in the way I have come to believe.
Thanks for your comments…Shalom…Russ
Hey Russell, thanks for your response my friend. I would agree, there is a high probability that Joseph puts Christ, and the stories surrounding him, on the same shelf as other spiritual and religious figures. From what I gathered I would say he puts the weight of priority on spiritual principles rather than Christian doctrine or historical claims that support traditional beliefs.
I think it’s extremely beneficial to read works like this because it hints on what we read in our last book about “troublesome information” that exposes us to different ways of thinking.
To me, the repeated pattern of death and resurrection found in various mythologies around the world point to something significant that our faith emphasizes. Its also comforting to know that God has been speaking to the hearts of people all around the world while the Judeo-Christian religion was still forming and inaccessible to the rest of the world.
Glad to know I have a fellow Superman fan in the cohort!!!!!
Hi Adam, Your post is delightful and your enthusiasm contagious. I think I owe my son a long weekend watching superhero movies. I am pretty sure you named some of his favorites! Thank you for the great tip! “All three of these movies are on HBO Max.” I have a question. You said, “I know I can’t fly, bend steel, see through walls, or move at the speed of light.” Are you sure? What thresholds, challenges, or calls are part of your heroic journey?
Alright Jenny, if you do watch these movies, it will be a long weekend indeed. Man of Steel 2 1/2 hours, BvS 3 Hours, Get ready, Zack Synder’s Justice League 4 hours…WELL worth it!
On a serious note, I love that you ask questions. Part of my calling and threshold is the “return back”. This is what my NPO is really about. How I can I best take Biblical education, some of it “troublesome information” learned in higher education and bring it back to my community in a simple, clear, and nourishing way for the sake of progress and ministry.
What about you?
Such a fun post!
My little 2 1/2-year-old grandson already takes the part of the hero very literally. One day as I was watching him and his 4 year-old-sister, I heard Caroline cry “Help me” from the top of the playground ladder. Shockingly, Carson ran as fast as his little legs could carry him to the top of the platform and took her hand, helped her across the ledge and then hugged her. She exclaimed “You saved me!” and I saw his little head cock back with a proud grin. A hero was born!
On another note, I appreciate how you unpacked the reading by mentioning the responsibility that comes from being a hero. “To allow the uncomfortable thresholds, unfamiliar territories, struggles, temptations, and trials to shape us into the best versions of ourselves for the sake of others” keeps humility and focus of what is important at the forefront. How does a hero keep “other” focused in the midst of the success of saving the day?
I guess that will look different depending on a person’s line of work, mission, or vocation. I would have to say keeping some questions at the forefront of my mind has been pretty important for me like: Why am I doing this? What would help them the most right now? How can I set aside my own desires for the sake of their needs at the moment? What about you? Do you have any questions you ask yourself or perspectives you keep in mind?
As I’m sure you know, this can be a balancing act when we also have needs. That’s where the boundaries conversation comes in handy! Great question.
Adam, I can imagine you watching Smallville:). I never got into that, but I am a huge Buffy the Vampire Slayer fan, which could probably lead me to a whole new post on this topic. Thank you for your perspective on this book. I love reading all these posts because there was so much room for what we all got out of it! My only memory of Superman was having a fear as a child of bridges with the trellis on top? I had nightmares of the bus of kids dangling off of the edge of it. I may need to watch these new movies to recapture the superman vision.
I am drawn to your comment “. It’s way easier for me to sing a song, share a verse, or ascribe to a doctrine then step through one of those uncomfortable spiritual, missional, or psychological thresholds that might move me into the next stage of my own “hero’s journey”, even when I know deep down it is for the sake of others. I think this is so true…I cannot tell you how much I lean on doctrine, song or verse in my work as a Chaplain (though this is a necessary part of the job) it also reminds me that I always need to be self aware and ask myself if there is something deeper I’m afraid of addressing with this patient. This is a daily work and grind for me and I appreciate you naming it. What gives you heroic courage to step into these places and how do you know when to do so and when doctrine, verse or song is the right choice?
It’s amazing to review a part of popular culture, especially superhero stories, and derive the philosophical and spiritual value from it. When you read Campbell, you can surely find common threads about the life processes of heroes from folk tales from various parts of the world. Regarding yourself, to what extent have the stories of these heroes helped you develop in the context of your ministry?