Maoyu: Archenemy & Hero - What's the point of the Hero?
I just started watching Maoyu. It's been in my watchlist for a while. It was originally recommended to me via comparison to Spice and Wolf, an absolute favourite of mine.
I'm into the fifth episode and am enjoying it so far but there's this nagging issue that keeps taking me out of the show: what's the point of the Hero?
I have difficulty understanding the character. He indicates early in that he's not very well learned and thus is struggling to find a place in a peaceful society. This is a compelling issue to have but I've yet to see him take any steps to address it. Other characters are taking classes; he very well could have as well.
Likewise, it's implied he's an exceptional combatant, not that we see any of that. Despite his supposed skill, he's apparently a terrible swordsmanship instructor.
This character is theoretically half of the protagonist group, but he lacks any aptitude that we've seen on screen, is largely directionless, and takes no effort to alleviate his own, self-identified short comings.
I have no idea how I am supposed to be engaged by this character, nor what he actually adds to the story.
How and why did the Demon King fall for this bum?
I'm into the fifth episode and am enjoying it so far but there's this nagging issue that keeps taking me out of the show: what's the point of the Hero?
I have difficulty understanding the character. He indicates early in that he's not very well learned and thus is struggling to find a place in a peaceful society. This is a compelling issue to have but I've yet to see him take any steps to address it. Other characters are taking classes; he very well could have as well.
Likewise, it's implied he's an exceptional combatant, not that we see any of that. Despite his supposed skill, he's apparently a terrible swordsmanship instructor.
This character is theoretically half of the protagonist group, but he lacks any aptitude that we've seen on screen, is largely directionless, and takes no effort to alleviate his own, self-identified short comings.
I have no idea how I am supposed to be engaged by this character, nor what he actually adds to the story.
How and why did the Demon King fall for this bum?
Commentaires
This is someone who genuinely loves the world, and would like to improve the world if he can. This is a “good” person, and yet sometimes that does not matter. But he will help, however insignificant his contributions may be. And befitting of that kindness, his greatest asset is the kindness of others returning to him, from those he treated with love and respect in the past.
The Hero is us. The Everyman, who knows that the world can be improved, who would love to help out in this greatest of quests, but have… honestly not a lot to give. But should that stop him? Or us, for that matter?
As for his shortcomings… when’s the last time I put genuine effort into bettering myself, for the sake of my community? I honestly can’t tell you. Am I a “bad person” for that? Is the Everyman somehow immoral for not doing their utmost? There’s certainly a way to argue for this view, but I don’t think that’s what the show is trying to say.
At least, that’s how I interpreted the Hero. Is it well-executed? Perhaps not. I don’t remember this show until I stumbled upon this thread, after all.
I'd argue that by virtue of being "The Hero" he has a greater responsibility than the average citizen. He is gifted with superior physical attributes and some magic. There's a lot that could be done with these gifts.
Likewise, we see other characters improving. The maids learn to read, write, do maths, etc. Other townsfolk are also learning in the classroom, studying swordsmanship, farmers are learning new cultivation techniques, etc. The Hero hunts a boar, comments on his own shortcomings to people actively either learning or teaching, and twiddles his thumbs instead of making use of the ample resources available to him to better himself.
He could try and fail. I'd accept that as a more realistic outcome. But no effort is made at all.
I dunno I assume that the story would action up at some point beyond the end of the adaptation. But, also, he does eventually have more of a role.