He Stands for All Of Us: Unexpected Hero, Part II

Hey guys,

So Loghain just crossed the first threshold and survived his Joining. What is he going to do next?? Continue on his hero’s journey, of course.

5. Belly of the Whale (the hero does not conquer the power of the threshold, instead being swallowed into the unknown)
This can be seen as him passing out after drinking the darkspawn blood, but I think this is representative of the actual Blight itself. He is now bound to the Blight, the darkspawn, and the archdemon(s). Wardens take on darkspawn taint and assume some of their traits. Although the taint doesn’t immediately kill Grey Wardens, they eventually succumb to the taint and die. This is not how someone conquers something.

Now is where it gets interesting.
Initiation Phase

6. Road of Trials (series of trials the hero must overcome, with aids from advice, amulets, or other supernatural helpers. Often, the hero might fail one or two trials before being successful)
Now, Loghain doesn’t face nearly as many physical trials as the Warden (the playable character) does, but he faces many personal trials. Through his (many) conversations with the Warden, it becomes clear that he suffers from extreme pride and guilt over his actions, although he never outright states this. But through these interactions he also finds a way to conquer these personal obstacles, eventually “signing on” to the cause and swearing to follow the Warden if he/she is able to “win this war.” Loghain’s trial is facing his own darkness in addition to the darkness of the Blight.

7. Meeting with the Goddes/Woman as Temptress (exactly what it sounds like)
This is one of the steps that isn’t really necessary for a hero to pass through, but I was having fun trying to come up with a “goddess” that Loghain meets. The closest thing I can think of is the “Dark Ritual” with Morrigan – Morrigan tempts the Wardens and then, for all intents and purposes, shows goddess-like power in being able to create an Old God Baby that is free of taint and… this is getting into a whole different kind of post.

8. Atonement with the Father (abandonment of ego, id, superego)
Again, not really necessary, but losing his regency of the country certainly knocked him down a few rungs, and joining the Wardens forced him to reexamine himself, so perhaps the Landsmeet, or the meeting of all the banns and arls of Ferelden, is an example of this. A bit of a stretch, I know, but it fits.

And then…

9. Apotheosis – The Climax!
Loghain participates in the Battle of Denerim and the fight against the archdemon.

10. The Ultimate Boon (reward for passing through the climax of the story)
This can go a few ways. Of course, if Loghain slays the archdemon, he finds atonement through his sacrifice. If he doesn’t slay the archdemon, he does regain some of his honor and respect from being a Grey Warden.

Unfortunately, though, there is no real “great boon” for any Grey Warden. Their journeys as heroes continue for their entire lives.

The next stage, the Return Home, doesn’t really occur for any Grey Warden, either, as they never return to the lives they once knew because they are forever (?) tainted.

But there you have it. Loghain, a reluctant but undeniable hero of the Fifth Blight. What do you think? Does he deserve commendation, or did I miss the mark? Are there any other unsung heroes in video games that you know? Let me know in the comments!

Thanks for stopping by, and I’ll see you soon!

–Athena Tseta

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