Guardians and Protectors in Heroes and Heroines

INTRODUCTION Since the beginning of human society in diverse corners of the earth, the concept of guardians and protectors has been a prominent theme in our collective consciousness. These tales have echoed through time, immortalized in both quiet whispers around the night fire, and thundering chants in the grand assembly hall. They tell tales of noble warriors, awe-inspiring gods, and relentless beasts, all appointed or compelled to ward off evil or bring salvation to heroes and heroines at pivotal junctures. With every retelling, an array of contextual symbols and interpretations adds new dimensions to the raw intensity of the original narrative. ORIGIN AND CULTURAL CONTEXT The origins of guardians and protectors in mythology span across different cultures and periods. From ancient Greek mythology, we find Cerberus, a monstrous three-headed dog, guarding the entrance to the underworld, ensuring that the dead do not leave and the living do not enter. In Norse mythology, Heimdallr, the ever watchful guardian god, protected the celestial fortress Asgard from the giants. Across the world, in Native American Iroquois legends, the unimaginably massive turtle upholds the earth on its back, nurturing rich life upon its hardened shield. Culture and its climate deeply influence these myths. The harsh winters of the Norse lands birthed Heimdallr, an eternal sentinel braving the biting wind and snow. Meanwhile, the Iroquois belief is a beautiful representation of the Indian tribes’ profound respect for nature, considering many animals as sacred beings tasked with the preservation of life’s delicate balance. THE LEGEND OR STORY Among these tales, the story of Susanoo, the Shinto god of the sea and storms in Japanese mythology, stands out for its vivid narratives and complex symbolism. Cast out of heaven due to his unruly behavior, Susanoo finds himself on earth where he encounters a crying couple. Their youngest daughter is due to be offered to the monstrous Yamata No Orochi to save their village. Moved by their plight, Susanoo agrees to act as their daughter’s guardian, in exchange for her hand in marriage. By cunning and strategic use of sake, Susanoo intoxicates the eight-headed serpent, Orochi, enabling him to slay the beast in its drunken stupor. After the decisive battle, Susanoo finds a sword in one of Orochi's tails, later known as the Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi, a symbol of his victory and divine right that would pass through generations. INTERPRETATIONS AND SYMBOLISM Susanoo's tale reflects a dynamic interplay between rejection, responsibility, and redemption. His exile symbolizes an extreme state of vulnerability, while his role as a guardian uplifts him from outcast status to the role of a savior. Orochi represents the chaotic elements of nature humanity constantly tries to overcome, and Susanoo’s use of strategy over brute force signifies the triumph of intellect and civilization. The Kusanagi sword is not only a trophy but also a tangible embodiment of Susanoo’s transformation, representing divine providence, authority, and protection. Moreover, the intertwining of romance in this narrative of valorous protection sends a powerful message; we often become our most courageous version when our love for others prompts us to shield them from danger. COMPARISONS IN OTHER CULTURES The comparison between Susanoo and other guardians in different cultures exhibits a universally resonating theme – the transformation of the outcast into a protector. In Greek mythology, the tale of Heracles' Twelve Labors has echoes of Susanoo’s journey. Having been driven mad by Hera, which led to the tragedy of his family's death, Heracles embarks upon his epic labors as a path to redemption — slaying beasts, overcoming insurmountable odds, and ultimately gaining immortality. MODERN REFERENCES AND POP CULTURE Modern pop culture has not remained untouched by these ancient themes. In J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle Earth legendarium, Gandalf endures a transformative quest akin to Susanoo and Heracles. Initially appearing as a wandering wizard, Gandalf's journey leads him to a series of perilous circumstances, ultimately transforming him into Gandalf the White, the protector of Middle-earth. In contemporary video games, the Legend of Zelda series sees the hero Link frequently wield the Master Sword, a divine weapon similar to Susanoo's Kusanagi. Throughout the series, Link is tasked with protecting Princess Zelda and the kingdom of Hyrule from the dark forces led by Ganon, bearing a remarkable resemblance to the traditional theme of the outcast hero performing grand feats for redemption. LEGACY AND LASTING MYSTERIES These stories of guardians and protectors continue to maintain a tight grip on our imagination, influencing literature, cinema, art, and even our moral values. The tales transform figures of mystery into relevant and relatable icons of courage, love, and wisdom. Despite the wealth of interpretations available to us, many mysteries surrounding these myths persist. What elevated these guardians beyond a mere folklore to an integral part of a culture's moral framework? What hidden meanings still lie beneath these narratives, waiting to be discovered? And most of all, how did these stories, from disparate corners of the world, arrive at the same universal themes? While we continue our quest for these answers, the fact remains - the legacy of the guardian myths, their captivation, and influence on human imagination is far from finished.