4 of 5

Write now Article Tools

Some have said that fantasy films and books are just that: fantasy. They complain that these genres are too much of an escape and are simply pulp that we are allowing to fill our brains to the exclusion of quality and classic literature.

These people are dead wrong.

Fantasy as a genre is filled with archetypes. This is why it is so popular. Take Beowulf, the epic poem and the recent poem. King Hrothgar was an archetype of fallen man, while his wife was an archetype of the wise sage. Grendel was the archetype of evil's pawn, while his mother was an archetype of the source of evil. Beowulf was the archtype of a hero who succumbs to his weakness but then must make that ultimate sacrifice in order to expiate his sin.

It is this last archetypal usage that makes good fantasy so compelling. The principle of a character sacrificing himself for the greater good is present in all good fantasy. This archetype is powerful simply because it speaks to the ultimate noble action that all of us ponder on at some point in our lives. Let's explore the use of this archetypal model in some of the best fantasy literature ever written.

The Lord of the Rings
Arguably the most iconic and influential series of fantasy books, which were later made into films, this story is filled with self-sacrifice. Boromir, a tortured soul indeed, sacrificed himself for the very people he had disdained, seeing in them ultimately a value that they themselves might not have seen.

Faramir sacrificed himself for the love of his father, but was saved by one of those whom his brother had saved previously.

Gandalf went to what he considered his sure doom when he sacrificed himself to hold back the Balrog. He did this for his friends and the good of their quest.

Aragorn and all the forces of good had every intention of sacrificing themselves to allow Frodo the time needed to destroy the ring.

And Samwise sacrificed his heart, soul and body for his friend.

This tale is powerful due to these sacrifices.

The Chronicles of Narnia
This series of books written by C.S. Lewis holds almost the same place of respect that the Lord of the Rings holds. They also are being converted into films, which is a wonderful thing. They also resonate with the power of self sacrifice.

In the first movie, we have Edmund Pevensie betraying his family for a treat and the love of the White Queen. When Edmund realized his mistake, he was willing to pay for his sin. But then Aslan sacrificed himself to expiate Edmund's sin, surely fulfilling the archetype of sacrificed savior. This is the moment when the power of these books penetrates our being more than we could ever have expected.

Any time we have a character who is willing to make this ultimate sacrifice for the greater good or the benefit of his friends or family, the film they are in becomes more powerful. It reflects the archetype of a savior who dies for others, and this is the most powerful archetype possible.

Learn more about this author, Jared Garrett.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about The use of self sacrifice in fantasy films?
We want to hear your view. Write now!