Fear, Death, and Authenticity in the Hero: a Look at Heidegger, Achilleus, and Harry Potter

Nicole M. Jowsey

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Chapter 6 Fear, Death, and Authenticity in the Hero: a Look at Heidegger, Achilleus, and Harry Potter

In: On Fear, Horror, and Terror: Giving Utterance to the Unutterable

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Nicole M. Jowsey

Nicole M. Jowsey
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Type:: Chapter

Pages:: 71–79

DOI:: https://doi.org/10.1163/9789004397996_007

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Abstract

In Being and Time, Martin Heidegger argues that death is always impending, and as such our existence in the world is one that is Being-toward-death. Despite the fact that we can never escape death, we are constantly trying to flee it and distract ourselves from it. There is a certain anxiety and fear in the face of death that mortals experience, hence the reason we try to outrun it. Looking at the figure of the hero, we see an individual who, at times, experiences horror and terror in their lives. They face death, and they too are afraid to die; however, the hero is able to overcome such fears, in spite of the horror and terror, and meet death head on. In this respect, the hero embodies what Heidegger calls authenticity, and therefore lives an authentic life. This chapter seeks to examine the hero’s relationship to death, their fear of it, as well as their ability to overcome it and achieve authenticity. Using Achilleus and Harry Potter as examples of Ancient and Modern epic heroes, I will show how both heroes experience fear and anxiety, while facing death, but then embrace and overcome them in order to fulfill their allotted destiny and measure. Both Achilleus and Harry experience deep loss and mourning, and yet through the pain and horror are able to come to terms with their own fate and finitude. This shared experience demonstrates Heidegger’s theory and allows them to be thought of as achieving authenticity.

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On Fear, Horror, and Terror: Giving Utterance to the Unutterable

Series: At the Interface / Probing the Boundaries, Volume: 125

E-Book ISBN:: 9789004397996

Publisher:: Brill

Print Publication Date:: 14 Jun 2019

Subjects
- Literature and Cultural Studies
  - Literature, Arts & Science
  - Criticism & Theory
- Philosophy
  - Social & Political Philosophy

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Chapter 6 Fear, Death, and Authenticity in the Hero: a Look at Heidegger, Achilleus, and Harry Potter

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On Fear, Horror, and Terror: Giving Utterance to the Unutterable

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