Heroism and Video Games

Very early on in elementary school my classmates and I were taught about Egyptian Mythology – this was the first introduction to mythology. About the same time Egyptian Lego sets were introduced and I remember my parents getting me the Lego sets and books on the subject for Christmas; I was absolutely enthralled. Something about learning of human history and the idea of all these different Gods and administrators of the Universe was very intriguing.

In high school we began to delve into Roman and Greek Mythology, both of which are also very interesting topics. How can one ignore the basis of theology, philosophy, and literature? As a young child, it made Catholicism seem really boring! Of course as I matured and learned more and experienced more, Christianity along with Hinduism became the pillars of my grasp on reality – but that can be talked about until Kingdom Come and at another time. Before I go any further I think it is absolutely critical to human progress to keep an open-mind; to not dismiss anything until it is at least taken into account; specifically, the role of video games on modern society as a form of entertainment, literature, and influence on our youth.

It wasn’t until my twenties that I stumbled upon a very important book: Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes by Edith Hamilton, published way back in 1940 and given to me by my older brother, Sam (thanks Sam for all the knowledge you have shared with me over the years!) The book goes into great lengths about classic stories and myths spreading across Greek, Roman, and Norse Mythology. The one key ingredient missing to my general understanding of historical human belief was Norse mythology.

If I can express one important aspect of mythologies of old, it would be the Norse belief of heroism. Edith Hamilton does an excellent job of projecting the key to understanding Norse Mythology one must first understand the mortality of men and their idea of Heroism. The very quick and general idea of heroism is this: doing what is right even when facing certain defeat or death.

“The power of good is shown not by triumphantly conquering evil, but by continuing to resist evil while facing certain defeat.”

Mythology, pg. 301 by Edith Hamilton

If you believe in a cause, are you willing to die for it; are you willing to kill for it; there is a critical difference but both are equally important. To kill anything living is to kill something within yourself, this is a sacrifice one must make and a decision one must consider. However, the ultimate selfless sacrifice is to die for the cause. This can be taken metaphorically, objectively and subjectively. There is a key to every lock, everyone’s bubble is capable of being popped, so resorting to violence on others in any other form of clear and distinct self-defense is never a solution – let me be clear on that. Today is a different time than it was then and as brute and savage the Norsemen were the current state of affairs don’t require such primal behavior. Everything is very situational and again, heroism requires choices to be made.

“All the best Northern tales are tragic, about men and women who go steadfastly forward to meet death, often deliberately choose it, even plan it long beforehand. The only light in the darkness is heroism”

Mythology, pg. 302 by Edith Hamilton

The difference between Norse mythology and all other beliefs is that the Gods were not invincible, would one day face tragedy, eventually fall from greatness. The difference is if you are invincible, what in the spirit requires heroism? One is guaranteed victory… so what is the sacrifice? The account of Christ is so epic because of the sacrifice made in the name of good – even upon facing the most despicable and torturous death. If Superman goes into a burning building, what act of heroism is it in comparison to the mind of a fireman who is far more vulnerable?

“No god of Greece could be heroic. All the Olympians were immortal and invincible. They could never feel the glow of courage; they could never defy danger. When they fought they were sure of victory and no harm could ever come near them.”

Mythology, pg. 308 by Edith Hamilton

What is so great about being a player in a video game, from an imaginative perspective, is the idea that eventually the game will end and the story will be over. What is so difficult for me as a gamer are the games with no clear ending – these have no real goal and give a sense of being eternal – which for me is undesirable. “Without death, what is the meaning of life?” a quote from The Way Remastered.

Endings in video games are the goal. The goal is to see that cut-scene, to feel that sense (even if in imitation) of achievement for completing the heroic journey. For video games, there is this somber feeling subtly marinating in the sub-conscious that this journey will eventually end. Some endings are rejoicing, some are tragic… the true sadness comes from knowing that no emotions can be felt anymore at all because the game is over. Video games are the virtual heroism: only digitally (or analog) is anything really being sacrificed. Video games have their place in the world, but they are not reality. Play responsibly, but if you’re going to play do it with imagination and with heroism!

I want to end this blog post with a few poems that grant the literary and philosophical ingenuity of what is often considered a primitive and savage culture; hopefully, this will be enlightening for those who know very little of the Viking people:

“There lies less good than most believe
In ale for mortal men;
A man knows nothing if he knows not
That wealth oft begets an ape;
A coward thinks he will live forever
If only he can shun warfare;
Tell one your thoughts, but beware of two
All known what is known to three.
A silly man lies awake all night,
Thinking of many things.
When the morning comes he is worn with care,
And his trouble is just as it was.”

Mythology, pg. 314 by Edith Hamilton from the Elder Eddas