Shrek as an Epic Hero
Shrek as an Epic Hero Although most people find the film “Shrek” to be just a comical film, it actually fulfills the requirements needed to prove that Shrek is indeed an epic hero. “Shrek” is a 2001 computer-animated fantasy-comedy film based on William Steig’s fairytale picture book, “Shrek!” He has all the characteristics of an epic hero archetype, regardless of his hideous and vulgar appearance as an ogre. Shrek is brave, loyal, and lives up to the standards our society expects and appreciates. Shrek presents himself as evil and mean but on the inside he is actually compassionate and gentle. Campbell’s Monomyth and the process for an epic hero that includes the departure, the initiation, and the return are all present in Shrek’s journey making him an epic hero. The process of a myth begins with the character’s departure into their journey. Shrek finds his isolated life bothered when thousands of different fairytale characters are banished into his swamp by order of the obsessive, evil, fairy-tale hating Lord Farquaad. This is Shrek’s first call to adventure. Campbell claims, “One may be only casually strolling when some passing phenomenon catches the wandering eye and lures one away from the frequented paths of man.” This is sort of what happened to Shrek in that he was just living his life when the fairytale characters entered his swamp. Shrek announces to the fairytale creatures that he will go to see Farquaad to move them out of his swamp and back to where they came from. Shrek crosses the first threshold to go see Lord Farquaad and brings along a talking donkey. Upon arriving at the castle, Shrek and Donkey see a guard that represents the threshold guardian, but the guard runs away fearful of the ogre. Campbell speaks of the threshold guardian when he stated, “Beyond them is darkness, the unknown and danger.” Shrek and Donkey enter the mysterious castle and proceed to an arena. They realize they are now in the middle of a tournament. After defeating a