The+Martyr



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The Martyr is an archetype who's main characteristic is sacrificing themselves for a greater good. The Martyr selflessly donates their time and abilities to helping to solve a problem that may not necessarily benefit them in any way. Often they recognize a major conflict and take the necessary actions in order to resolve it, which generally includes risking their lives. Many archetypes risk their lives, but in order to be considered a Martyr they must actually die for the cause. Being a Martyr is generally very noble and the character is immortalized through remembrance of their brave action and tragic death. This archetype has remained part of our lives for centuries because of what it represents. It exists because most people admire the qualities, but themselves arent willing to fullfill them. A Martyr sacrifices their own life out of love or respect, or simply for a greater good. Martyrdom says a lot about society and humanity as a whole. It proves that after all the terrorism and bad that goes on in the world, their is still some good. It proves not everything is evil or inhumane For similar reasons this archetype has been around for a very long time. People want to believe when in an undesirable situation someone else will be able to save them; do whatever it takes to rescue them; even if it means risking their own life. Martyrdom has crossed cultural boundaries because no matter race, ethnic background, religion or other diversities people are still people when in time of need want help. They need a feeling of safety, which a martyr can usually supply. By donating their lives for something that doesnt pertain to them, it shows a completely selfless way of life. The situation may be different in varying cultures but the basic human reaction does not. Both clips have characters that fullfill the Martyr archetype. in Iron Man, Yinsen helps Tony Stark escape. Yinsen buys him so time by risking his own life and going out to face the enemy alone. He is almost immediately killed but the extra time is exactly what Tony Stark needed and he does escape. Joan of Arc was also a Martyr because she believed god was talking to her, telling her to command the army, and as a young woman this is highly unusual. Joan is burned at the stake. She has several warnings as to what would become of her but she believed in the greater good, and her role in that. She was persistent in her act of 'defiance' knowing what it would ultimately lead to. ====== ** R **