Face of a Franchise: Archetypal Wise Old Man!
[face of a franchise presents two individuals that’ve fulfilled the same role. your task — choose the better of the two and defend your choice in the rancor pit that is the comments section]
The wise old man may be my favorite archetype of all. This is the dude that lives on the outskirts and is ostracized by regular folk because his otherworldly knowledge frightens them. Fortunately, this geezer’s benevolence keeps him buoyant enough to guide a callow protagonist on his epic journey, imparting wisdom along the way.
Oh, he’s also been known to die mid-journey. But don’t worry, he’ll probably return from the grave. And if he does, the chief’s going to have plus-thirty Sick Powers.
Virgil. Pai Mei. Merlin. Odin. Henry. All wise old men. All bosses.
But there are two that stand shoulders above the rest, not only fulfilling the role of the helpful wizard but defining it for new generations. I’ll make a case for each and then let you hit up the comments section with your choice. Omega-Readers, short or tall, who is the dopest wizard of them all?
Ben Kenobi or Gandalf?
Throughout the Star Wars trilogy, Kenobi turns a barely-literate farmboy into the messianic figure an entire galaxy is hoping for. Ben convinces the kid to join him by giving him a fucking weapon and reminding him that his entire family’s dead. Ok, it’s not a tough sell. But once Luke’s on board, Kenobi teaches him about the Force, which he describes as “an energy field created by all living things. It surrounds us and penetrates us. It binds the galaxy together.” Ben shows Luke that by tapping into oneself, all of existence can be harnessed, thus giving an individual unfathomable powers.
Also, Kenobi sacrifices himself so that he can turn into a ghost and whisper words of encouragement into Luke’s ear as he blows up government property.
On the other hand, Gandalf from The Lord of the Rings is also an OG. Gandalf arranges the Fellowship of the Ring which is to take the One Ring to Mordor and toss the muthafuggah into a volcano. As if managing such a motley crew weren’t challenging enough, Gandalf still makes a point to throw down when push comes to shove. In fact, it’s Gandalf that takes the Balrog-bullet so that the others can continue. (Don’t worry – he comes back, in a sick white outfit, no less.)
Also, Gandalf smokes a pipe. Which is awesome.
Share your thoughts on this one, you hooligans? Who is your wizard of choice? Ben Kenobi or Gandalf?
P.S. – Fuck Dumbledore.