Rory Stewart: The Long History of... Heroism: 4. Poster Heroes
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Aug 25, 2025 Dive into the evolving concepts of heroism, from ancient icons to modern-day superheroes. Explore how cultural contexts, like the rise of Superman amid Nazi Germany, shape our understanding of heroism. Discover the shift from traditional role models to social media influencers and the complexities of political heroes like Martin Luther King Jr. and Gandhi. The podcast critiques simplistic notions of good versus evil while questioning the impact of popular culture on our moral lives and the pursuit of excellence.
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Birth Of The Superpowered Hero
- Superman emerged in 1938 as a fusion of pulp sci‑fi and ideas of transcendent greatness shaped by Nietzschean thought.
- The character marks a cultural turn toward powered heroes who break human limits rather than relatable moral exemplars.
The Monomyth Shapes Modern Tales
- Joseph Campbell framed many modern stories with the universal 'Hero's Journey' of separation, initiation and return.
- Superhero narratives often map onto this monomyth but simplify psychological complexity.
American Adventure Meets Monomyth
- Superheroes combine the classical hero's journey with an American 'adventure cycle' where a savior expels outside evil and restores order.
- This hybrid makes superhero stories distinct from older, morally ambiguous epics.
