Why the “Fallen Hero” Trope Always Works

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Summary

  • Lucifer from the Bible serves as the blueprint for Fallen Heroes in fiction.
  • Paul Atreides from Dune and Anakin Skywalker from Star Wars are iconic examples.
  • Anime features fallen heroes like Eren Yeager, Lelouch Vi Britannia, and Griffith from Berserk.

As a long-time enthusiast of captivating narratives, I must say that the Fallen Hero trope is undeniably one of my favorites. Having grown up with tales of Anakin Skywalker and Eren Yeager, I’ve experienced the rollercoaster of emotions that comes from witnessing their transformation from heroes to villains.

As a lifelong fan of anime and sci-fi, I’ve seen my fair share of epic battles, emotional twists, and unforgettable characters. From the vast deserts of Dune to the starry skies of Star Wars, the walls of Attack on Titan, the dark fantasy world of Berserk, the political intrigue of Code Geass, and the League of Legends universe in Arcane, I’ve been captivated by these stories that take me on thrilling journeys beyond my imagination. But beware, if you haven’t seen or read these series yet, this conversation may contain spoilers that could ruin your viewing or reading experience. So, tread carefully and enjoy the ride!

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but notice the rising prevalence of tragic heroes in the media we all love. These are characters we once cherished, but as fate would have it, they’re swallowed by darkness and transform into adversaries for everyone else. They start off as shining angels, only to metamorphose into devils who bring about destruction. A prime example of this trope is found in Attack on Titan, where Eren has masterfully taken on this role. However, he’s not the first, nor will he be the last to embody this tragic arc. The most iconic embodiment of this trope undeniably belongs to Anakin Skywalker from Star Wars. Once a gifted prodigy, he morphed into a ruthless murderer and mechanical monstrosity.

Let’s delve into what makes this narrative pattern so appealing to viewers, as these extraordinary characters show us that you can either perish as a hero or outlive and transform into the antagonist.

Like a Fallen Angel

The Blueprint

Discussing this common literary theme requires understanding its foundation, which is the story of Lucifer, the angel who fell from grace in the Bible. Once an exemplar of beauty and loyalty, he plunged into the depths of hell after his rebellion, taking on the role of evil for the entire world. This story has been a blueprint for numerous authors, inspiring tales about noble characters who descend into darkness, transforming into the very opposite of their initial selves. The term “Lucifer” is often used to describe such characters. This concept can be found in various works, including art and song lyrics, as seen with Eren Yeager from “Attack on Titan.

Instead of coming for spices or wealth, my father chose your land because he admired the resilience of your people. My path takes me towards the barren expanse. It lies before me clearly. Should you welcome us, we shall journey there.

Years later, I stumbled upon another remarkable work of sci-fi fiction that significantly contributed to this common theme – Frank Herbert’s epic novel, Dune. This masterful piece has recently gained renewed acclaim due to impressive movie adaptations, and its lead character, Paul Atreides, stands as an unparalleled example of how to embody this concept flawlessly. Initially, Paul is a promising noble prince destined for greatness and leadership, but as time unfolds, his extraordinary abilities and insights into the future gradually transform him into the most devastating mass murderer the cosmos has ever known.

It is…too late for me, son

Next, we have arguably the most renowned illustration of this scenario – Anakin Skywalker from “Star Wars”. Initially a gifted young hero with a destiny to bring peace and equilibrium to the galaxy, he unfortunately transforms into its deadliest adversary. The heartbreaking transformation of Anakin has fascinated fans for many years. It’s the story of the Republic’s hero turning into the Empire’s enforcer. However, his redemption comes in the form of the last spark of goodness within him – his love for his son Luke.

  • Lucifer was the first literary example of the “Fallen Hero“.
  • Paul Atreides is the protagonist of Dune (1965), a prince with future sight who brings a new era of terror.
  • Anakin Skywalker is the most famous example of the “Fallen Hero”, a heroic Jedi Knight who becomes Darth Vader, a galactic tyrant.
  • Paul and Anakin are both science fiction protagonists with future sight.

Fallen Heroes in Anime

From the Spotlight to the Depths of Hell

In the world of anime, certain Fallen Hero characters have evoked feelings similar to those stirred by Paul or Anakin. These complex characters have left a deep impact on fans globally. One such character who deserves special mention is Eren Yeager from “Attack on Titan”. As the series unfolds, Eren’s character becomes increasingly troubled, eventually becoming a harbinger of doom for humanity in the final season. His story shares similarities with that of Paul Atreides, as he too can foresee the future, takes on a dark leadership role, and carries out mass destruction. In the end, Eren transforms from the initial protagonist into the main antagonist of the story he once led.

This is…Freedom!

Prior to Eren Yeager, fans of anime were captivated by the protagonist and antagonist duo from Code Geass, Lelouch Vi Britannia. Originally a prince of the ruling family who acquires the power of the Geass, he embarks on a mission to bring freedom and independence to Japan. However, in his pursuit, Lelouch gradually transforms into a malevolent figure, mirroring his former self with every act of destruction directed towards his kin and confidants. His tragic end comes at the hands of his dearest friend, who carries out his plan for global unification against him, thus sealing Lelouch’s fate.

But even before Code Geass, there is a more nebulous example, that of Griffith from Berserk. At the start of Berserk Griffith is one of the main heroes and the best friend of Guts. But after Guts’ apparent betrayal, Griffith is sent on a downward spiral that ends in him being horrifically tortured and mutilated and eventually becoming a member of the Godhand and enacting The Eclipse. A horrific nightmarish event that destroyed his former friends and marked the two survivors for life. Griffith is often not in the same discussion as these other characters as he’s mostly known as an antagonist and not really a Fallen Hero due to him always showing signs of evil.

More recently, viewers have come across Jinx, initially known as Powder and Vi’s sister, in the animated series Arcane, which is set in the League of Legends universe. Following a tragic incident that she initiated, she was shunned by her older sister and taken in by the series’ primary antagonist, Silco. Overwhelmed by her harrowing past and deteriorating mental state, Powder transformed into a villain. However, upon reconnecting with her sister years later, she finds redemption and even sacrifices herself by the story’s end.

Among certain characters, there’s a shared theme – the selfless sacrifice they make for the greater good. Characters like Anakin Skywalker, Eren Yeager, Lelouch Vi Britannia, and Jinx all end up giving up their lives for a noble cause. This is what resonates deeply with millions of fans, as they witness these heroes’ transformation into villains, yet retain a glimmer of hope that they can be redeemed. The Fallen Hero trope masterfully taps into the viewers’ emotional bond and faith in these characters, making them believe in their inherent goodness. It then delivers on this expectation with a heart-wrenching climax to their stories.

In stories, the character of the Fallen Hero is a timeless and powerful motif that will continue to resonate significantly. Figures like the Dark Sith Lord, the Doomsday Titan, Zero from Zaun, Lisan Al Gaib, embody narratives of extraordinary beings succumbing to darkness, demonstrating how the most virtuous among us can succumb to wickedness and evil, abandoning loved ones and all the good they’ve accomplished.

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2024-12-12 05:55