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Galahad was just looking for an old cup. Something need not be done on a grand scale to lend it the aura of myth and the reality of heroism. The largest stories are told to show us all what we can do, and be, and strive for on a level within our own lives and world, however small that world. I think it's partly when we lose that sense of the importance of our own actions and those close to us, weaving the myths and legends of our families, friends, and towns that we begin to lose ourselves. Rather than bringing the greatest of heroic quests to our level, we consider our own to be insignificant and think that the president, and John Elway, and Michael Jordon not only count more, but are heroes (okay, maybe president is on a high level with anyone now)and we're not. We become ants and cede our spiritual lives and our quests to that organized religion you mentioned, removing from ourselves the need for thought and try to fill our lives with money and mountains of things. From the first stories people have told that we know of, there has been moral strength and guidance instilled through their telling. And every generation, nation, state, town, and group of friends have their own myths that grow around the events particular to them and quests that singular are significant to the whole. In a child's view and the size of his/her world, your saving that kitten was more heroic and important than raising the flag on Iwo Jima or sinking the winning shot. Heck, you're right up there with a dragon slayer. And I have no idea what I'm rambling about right now. Sorry, couldn't help myself. |
