This volume explores the rise of the collective hero as the defining archetype of the 21st century, reflecting shifts in global society, culture, and media.
The collective hero emerges as the defining archetype of the 21st century, reflecting shifts in global society, culture, and media. Moving beyond the individualistic hero of Western myth, this volume explores the challenges of today's world and calls for a new heroic model characterized by collaboration and balance. Drawing from popular culture and media, the collective hero is presented as a dynamic and diverse group where individual identities intersect, adapt, and contribute to a greater purpose. Central to the model is the theme of balance, which becomes both the end goal and the ethical core of collective hero stories. Looking at a variety of contemporary examples across media platforms, this volume analyzes how collectives function both narratively and in reality, constructing archetypes within groups and mirroring the complexity of real-world social dynamics.
Ultimately, the authors assert that collective heroism is not utopian fantasy, but a necessary cultural evolution for navigating social complexity, building resilient communities, and envisioning more democratic, pluralistic, and environmentally conscious futures.
This volume explores the rise of the
collective hero as the defining archetype of the 21st century, reflecting shifts in global society, culture, and media.
Arvustused
This ground-breaking work traces the evolution of heroic storytelling from folklore and fairytales to blockbuster contemporary franchises, highlighting where Campbells model falters in capturing the spirit of twenty-first-century narratives. Through an insightful exploration of ensemble protagonists, gender-expansive characters, and the pursuit of balance over conquest, the book introduces a new framework for understanding the heroes shaping our contemporary cultural landscape.
From the reclamation of witches to the rise of communities as protagonists, this study reveals how popular culture is rewriting the mythic script, and what this means for our shared future. Both a deconstruction of old paradigms and a vision for new ones, this is an updated guide for readers, creators, and scholars seeking to understand the collective heroes who are transforming the stories we tell. * Lucía Bausela Buccianti, Lecturer of English, University of Salamanca, Spain *
Muu info
During the 21st century, the collective hero has emerged as the defining archetype in media, reflecting shifts in global society and the necessity of cultural evolution.
Authors Note
Introduction: The Multiverse and Collective Heroes
1. Deconstruction
2. Collective
3. Gender Expansive
4. Balance
Conclusion
Appendix: Select Media Researched for this Project
Bibliography
About the Authors
Index
Priscilla Hobbs is Senior Associate Dean at Southern New Hampshire University, USA.
Rebekah Lovejoy is an independent scholar and licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in LGBTQ+, womens issues, and neurodivergent affirming care in the United States. She is also a writer, educator, and artist.
