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Hunger Games: Embracing the Feminine Archetype: A Journey with Katniss Everdeen

Capturing the hearts and minds of a generation, Suzanne Collins' 'The Hunger Games' stands as a defining saga of our time, with the remarkable journey of Katniss Everdeen not just enthralling audiences, but also igniting important conversations about tyranny, femininity, courage, sacrifice, and the human spirit. Katniss, a character forged in the fires of adversity, embodies a powerful feminine archetype. Her journey reflects a delicate balancing act between nurturing instincts and survival. Katniss Everdeen proves to be more than a mere survivor. Throughout the series, Katniss's journey is marked by her gradual embrace of compassion and empathy, elements that ultimately define her character. This essay explores why it was not only fitting but also necessary for Katniss to let these nurturing instincts prevail, culminating in her ultimate romantic decision. Katniss's Nurturing Instincts In the heart of the dystopian world of "Panem," amidst the turmoil and...

Eldarion: Conclusion to Tolkien's Arda

In the culmination of the days of Men within the realms of Middle-earth, the lineage of Tuor and Idril, begetters of Eärendil, unfurls its tale.      In the interwoven annals of fate’s tapestry, Tuor was bestowed with Ulmo's favor, for the lamentable fall of Gondolin moved even the depths of the Lord of Waters to compassion. Yet, despite Ulmo's entreaties, the heart of Manwë, the High King, remained unmoved. It was believed that a solitary advocate, a voice for both Elves and Men, might rouse his heart and unravel the curse that bound the Firstborn.     A malediction of banishment and unending existence afflicts the Elves, rendering life devoid of purpose. Conversely, a gift of brevity clouds the lives of Men, shrouding their eternal destiny in uncertainty. Their boon lies in faith, thus imbuing their mortal journey with meaning profound. Yet, the final strains of Eru Illuvitar’s grand symphony, reserved for Men alone, dwell shrouded in enigma, veiled even from ...

Barbie: A Modern Parable on Divine Womanhood

Like Shakespeare suggested, masterful art is revealing, with the best theater acting as a “mirror” to humanity.  This certainly is the case with the new hit movie Barbie.  Barbie, whether consciously or not, aligns harmoniously with feminine archetypes and journey’s defined in the late 90’s and early 2000’s. These theories were laid out by female psychoanalysts and mythologists in response to the prominent Hero’s Journey. These “journey” or archetype theories rely on psychoanalytical foundations laid by Jungian and Freudian psychology.  Jung and Freud proposed that humans share universal symbols and narratives that combine into stories that then manifest in dreams and art. These manifestations seem to serve a deeply subconscious therapeutic purpose in understanding the world and how to most meaningfully interact with it.  Greta Gerwig and Margot Robbie’s willingness to portray so many different perspectives on womanhood, has turned this story into a kind of parable ...

Let The Chosen Unite Us, Rather Than Further Divide

I was standing on the set of The Chosen as an extra after almost passing out from the COVID finger prick (I don’t do well with needles). It was kind of unbelievable that I was there in a middle eastern looking city, dressed in robes, surrounded by cameras, laughter, incense, and the people playing the part of Jesus and His disciples. Being on set was so much quieter than I thought it would be, yet everything still teemed with excitement. I was busy pretending it was completely normal for me to belong there when somehow, I ended up standing next to Dallas Jenkins (creator of The Chosen). This was a rare opportunity to get to know him a little better. Being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I was curious to understand how Dallas and his show ended up being in Utah—on a set owned by our faith. Many of you have heard the story. Dallas obliged my questioning and told me about getting the suggestion from Angel Studios, expressing interest before season one, and the...

Zombies in Taiwan: C H A P T E R 2 — Loss

  BRAD, ADAM, SHANE AND Kara walked through the Shilin Night market amazed at all the lights and good smells. The sun had just set and the market became lit with thousands of bright colors. Kara wanted to stop at each vendor and look for jewelry for her granddaughters. Jennie made her Nai Nai promise to get her something sparkly, pink and glittery.  Suddenly, the group was hit by a highly potent repulsive smell. They looked at each other in disgust. Brad reared his head back and laughed, “that’s stinky tofu!” He said with delight. They stopped at the stand and Brad insisted they try it. Adam and Shane gagged helplessly and spit the morsels out. Seeing this, Kara politely and humorously refused to try it. Brad had filmed their reactions and sent the videos to the family chat titled, "R4E" -- an acronym meaning Richards for(4) Ever. He expected to see a picture of the girls on the Ferris wheel. Brad dialed Chelsea. It was not normal for Chelsea to not answer. Brad began to worr...

The Madonna Mission: P H A S E 2

[Eden (Opimum-Rex)] BLACKBOX DATA: PRESTORM 119, 3609 Quarantine — active.  Patient — secured. Intravenous — attached. Vitals — stable; foreign body detected. Health history upload — Avangeline Ross.  [end of data] AVA: JOURNAL: PRESTORM 119, 3609 Anita, please. I know you’re scared. I am too. But this needs to be my choice. This thing inside me, I know it sounds insane, but it’s here for a reason. I can feel it. Please. I beg you. Please don’t kill it.  Please, I'm begging you.  [Ava paused 00:13:03] The planet. Send me to the planet.  Anita, let me deliver it on the new planet.  I promise I won’t try anything. Send me in a pod by myself. If I survive and the creature isn’t a problem, I’ll send a transmission to you. Just orbit the planet and I’ll keep in contact with you. You won't be in any danger. This won’t impact any of the crew, just me.  Anita, please.  “System:” transfer entry to Captain Anita Marson.  [entry shared with Anita Sonja ...