17/12/2023
The False Hero in the Mirror of 'Self'
Among the various types of heroes found in fairy tales, novels, and stories, a unique character emerges—the False Hero. This character appears in narratives with the intention of claiming the role of the Hero or Heroine, typically aligning with the gender of the actual hero.
The False Hero makes unwarranted claims, usurping the Hero's position along with everything associated, including possessions, affections, relationships, and even the essence of individuals themselves.
As a result, the Hero is compelled to undergo a series of trials to demonstrate that the False Hero's claims are false, and they are the authentic Hero. The Hero's experiences are relatable—a sense of injustice, betrayal, a peculiar loss of their social identity, and an incredible challenge to their authenticity. This challenge goes beyond mere self-presentation; it requires proving that their identity is genuine and evolving into a "greater self than before."
What motivates the False Hero in this scenario? Why does the False Hero boldly proclaim themselves as the Hero, even at the risk of exposure? What prevails in this situation over the fear of being revealed?
Another perspective to consider is our own occasional sense of being False Heroes, seemingly in our rightful place.
"My life is so good that it's almost frightening. Adults don't criticize me when I smoke and swear. They don't interfere when I stay up all night, and they don't force me to eat soup. Some adults even offer me alcohol and drugs. Moreover, I have an international passport and a valid driver's license. A couple of times, I even secured some adult job and earned real, adult money for it. It seems like I've managed to outsmart everyone." - M. Frei
Sometimes, the feeling of being "False" arises when we receive recognition and praise. Other times, it happens when we feel like we "don't deserve good treatment from others" or, having acquired education and a profession, hesitate to present ourselves to the professional community as colleagues.
