What Makes a Great King? Exploring the Archetype of the King in Movies and Television

[@LikeStoriesofOld]

This is a video I’ve been wanting to do for some time but it took me a while to write and edit a video that includes such a multitude of movies and television shows. Nevertheless, I think Robert Moore and Douglas Gillette’s archetypes are a very interesting way to analyze media and provide personal insights, similarly to Joseph Campbell’s related concept of the Hero’s Journey. I’d love to hear what you think of it!

[@sophietielemans6034]

LSOO, I really like your videos. I'm wondering if in this one 'all men' is gendered or meant generally as in 'all humanity', since lots of the characteristics praised in this video can apply to women just as well as men, but they seem to be portrayed as inherently male, likewise the examples and authors referenced are all male too. Hoping to hear your thoughts on this. Great video, keep up the good work!

[@bewtifulfreak]

It's a really insightful, well-constructed, lovely piece that's significant not only on a personal level, but I couldn't help drawing some rather powerful parallels to both the King and the Shadow in recent and current real life leaders as well.

[@LikeStoriesofOld]

I talked about the gender aspect a bit more in the Moonlight video; in their later work the authors refer to the 4 archetypes as applying to both male and female (with the King turning into the Queen for women), but their actual writing is still male-centric which is why I included some sources with interpretations of archetypal structures by female authors as well (I put them in the description of this video too). Also, the archetypes are mostly based on old mythological stories, very much like Joseph Campbell's concept of the Hero's Journey, so I don't think they meant to present these characteristics as inherently male, but rather as being historically represented in/attributed to males. Hope this answers your question :)

[@juliatheodoro1929]

I would love to see you talking about one of those female-centric archetypes

[@ashwinp5518]

Are you going to make videos on the Warrior and Magician archetypes?

[@undead9999]

"in order to be a good leader, you need to know how to follow first. Never ask men under your command to do something you wouldn't do yourself" My drill instructor, great man.

[@takezokimura2571]

That's why I prefer leaders that were once simple employees and rose through the ranks, instead of a leader that was directly hired to his current role, even if he did this in a previous company.

[@undead9999]

@@takezokimura2571 That's true. With a person who rose through the ranks you can almost always be sure he knows what he is doing, and moreover he knows firsthand the position you're now in, and understands what your needs and your struggles are.

[@nonenone6704]

Non-commissioned officers and commissioned officers, essentially.

[@vincencclaustro7161]

None None More like Mustangs vs Non-Mustangs.

[@Slim2Flo]

Not only do yourself, but kick their ass in. My first boss said something similar to me. I spoke to my direct manager about it in passing, he'd known my boss for a long time. He said he started at the bottom, and only got to the top due to hard work and putting the time in to be better than anyone else.

[@skaterjoe1669]

"To become a great king, you must first be a good man" - my dad

[@efraim3364]

Manowar lyrics

[@skaterjoe1669]

@@efraim3364 can you tell me the song?

[@efraim3364]

@@skaterjoe1669 Warriors of the world

[@screamingperson8188]

What about: "You are a good man. And it's hard for a good man to be king"

[@skaterjoe1669]

@@screamingperson8188 sadly that is true.

[@austinjackson7103]

I think Theodan is the most real example here, a man with doubts but would always rise to the occasion.

[@jeremiet2739]

Austin Jackson yeah this is why Théoden is my favourite character in the film, because he goes from a fallen king to regaining his glory for the good of not just his people but the whole realm

[@josemariaalipio449]

Jeremie T Theoden was a badass character. You could really fight and die for a leader like that. Same goes for Aragorn.

[@ryankelley5160]

I dont know about that. Rather than stand up for what he knows is right, and strategically beneficial. He follows the orders of his deranged father that leads to the complete slaughter of his unit. If Theodan was worthy of being king, he would have defied his father and saved his men. It's what Aragorn would have done, hell it is what Boromir would have done. And one of the only negatives of Boromir's character, is his attempt to seize the ring from Frodo, a phase he quickly snaps out of. Theodan would only be a good choice of king, if there were no other. He is a wonderful character, but he is no king.

[@acmaiden5236]

@@ryankelley5160 You are confusing Theoden with Faramir I think.

[@nightk3717]

Ryan Kelley lmao 😂

[@ill-Fateddnb]

I can't help myself, but every time, when I see the scene from LOTR, where Aragorn bends his knee in front of hobbits and so do others, I immediately start to weep.

[@joshrobinson6835]

That’s what the king energy does when it does it’s second function of blessing.

[@imiguifurr]

It was the ultimate point of Tolkien's morality... The "hero" or the one worthy of praise is not the king, the ego, the individual... But humility (which all hobbits represent)... Goodness is not in the grandiose acts of heroism but in the mundane, true acts of kindness on our daily lives

[@fleshhammer656]

The rides of Rohan always gets me

[@Spur-li7ec]

In this scene Frodo looks so overwhelmed, probably in part since he tried to keep the ring.

[@shipwrecker37]

@@Spur-li7ec He did his part and failed, but all worked out nonetheless. Just as Boromir technically failed his mission, but his efforts still pushed things forward. (Also, Frodo spared Smeagol during the journey as a demonstration of kindness, and this was ultimately rewarded in the end.) Gosh, it's such a good story.

[@WillGaylord]

Testamental to the fact that "toxic masculinity" isn't the presence of manhood, but an absence of it.

[@jlupus8804]

Same goes for toxic femininity

[@gabrielcabana7038]

there is no such thing as toxic masculinity

[@lordofgraphite]

Well said

[@jack_skeean]

@William Gaylord This is a really good point. It's also perfectly in line with the metaphysical idea that evil, in the strict sense, doesn't exist, but instead is an absence of Good. Toxic masculinity is a great example.

[@mohammadtausifrafi8277]

@@jack_skeean thank you very much for the awesome comment.

[@mammontustado9680]

"The world will not be right until kings become philosophers or philosophers kings." -Plato

[@brandongreenhough9379]

He holds true. So many of those great kings were philosophers. Alfred, frederick, marcus etc.

[@superlive98]

Like Nero!

[@vvhffc9447]

Most philosophers are gay, they're not leadership material.

[@vvhffc9447]

@Russell Spears What a fascist thing to say

[@MrStoptheEU]

I guess that was his ego speaking.

[@willemverheij3412]

Bernard Hill's portrayal of King Theoden is still the best portrayal of a King I have seen in any movie. He does his best to appear strong to his people even in tough times and really weighs his options, considering what would be best for his people. And he is a very human king, especially when you see him mourn his son. Initially he talks of his house and legacy, but then it breaks him and you only see a grieving father.

[@ianmichael3912]

"Minimizes punishment, and maximizes praise" That is an incredible line. Many aspiring leaders need to hear that one!

[@goodcomrade2949]

they won't beceuse in real life its very different and much more complex. if the situation asked for it its better to be feared then loved

[@alertsquirrel]

You can have a complex situation where the positive is still emphasized. And just because the positive is emphasized doesn't mean that the negative is excluded.

[@DrFranklynAnderson]

“For this is what it means to be a king: to be first in every desperate attack and last in every desperate retreat, and when there’s hunger in the land (as must be now and then in bad years) to wear finer clothes and laugh louder over a scantier meal than any man in your land.” -King Lune of Archenland

[@milton5417]

DrFranklynAnderson The Horse and His Boy 👌🏻✅💯

[@skyereave9454]

Amusingly, the character Iskandar (Alexander) says something similar in regards to what a king is in fate zero

[@nickyalexa7744]

I have three boys; I think one is primarily a king, one is a magician, and one a warrior. Has anyone else noticed that within brothers, one is usually a king and one a warrior? I also think my husband is primarily the warrior. Unfortunately for our world, many of the kings today are "high chair tyrants" (as Moore called the shadow archtype).

[@ashikdennis9202]

I wish you great success in raising your boys to authentic grounded men.

[@beksc9209]

Ooh, have you read The Wingfeather Saga? Great, moral books for kids (but great reads for adults, too), they are geared specifically towards boys, and I highly recommend them to you and your sons! (They deal with kings and warriors, responsibility and kindness, failure and sin and redemption and forgiveness, and so much more.)

[@TheParez]

That's on you to decide...

[@stefan1924]

The great king today is also the man who provides such beautifully written and edited videos to the public for the sake of furthering everyones knowledge about deep questions.

[@chrismtauer]

I watch this video every now and then to remind and inspire myself to be a better man, a better leader, a better inspiration toward others. You always find a way to move me to tears with the way you interpret this beautiful book. If it weren't for this video, I would have never found and read the book for myself. You are a deep inspiration to all of us and I thank you for everything you do and all the content you create. Keep it up

[@daddyleon]

*+Chris Tauer* That's a major compliment man!

[@RoronoaZoroSensei]

"A voice that affirms clearly and calmly and with authority, the human rights of all" That is the literal opposite of what many Nations leaders are doing today.

[@everardoreyes1411]

Curiously of all the world leaders the one who displayed those characteristics is the one who most people hate... Donald Trump. He is the only one who valued human rights and freedoms above all.

[@RoronoaZoroSensei]

@@everardoreyes1411 You mean the man who generally yelled at the top of his lungs, and didn't give a rat's ass about the welfare of his nation's people, being more concerned with upholding the image that he is doing a good job and he is not to blame for anything bad that's happening? He is literally the person I described with the second half of my comment.

[@shadowling77777]

Even more so these days

[@kiyasuihito]

Yes, and here in America, a lot of citizens are unfortunately doing this as well 😔

[@caitlynharbidge3056]

@@everardoreyes1411 the one that endorses bigotry and misogyny? He is nothing more than an insecure little boy, not worthy of the title he had no the title of Man.

[@s.s.9337]

Too many 'warriors' trying to be 'King' these days, and most 'warriors' only fight their own cause (their bank account / their own greatness). To be a great 'King', one need good people around. One can never be great King on your own. Many genuine good leaders falls into the ranks of ordinary people. Where they can do little to nothing in order to change our world for the better. On the other hand, humanity gets the leaders they deserve. Just look at us.. We have becomed shallow shadows of ourselves.

[@s.s.9337]

Ivan Vincent, blessings to you too friend. And may your travels bring you fortune. "Life is not a easy swim, for those who want to dive deep. But there is no treasures found on the surface". Agreed. And might I add; We do all have to transcend our own dark shadow-self, not just the warrior. We are all part of that what is bigger than ourself. If we ought to be fulfilling our different but equal important roles, we would then be making life - worth living. There is greatness deep within each and every one of us. Reach for it.

[@trexbra8715]

there are good kings, lovers warriors and magicians out there. They've become lost in todays struggles yes, but they will come again ad i assure you they are out there behind the scenes making that difference dont let yourself be swallowed up by your shadow.

[@TheBr0dster]

I’ve always identified with all archetypes. Though when surrounded by the right people who have the power to do the right thing guided by our hearts and minds as one, I am inevitably placed in the direction of the king. It’s extremely difficult to be face to face with ones shadow to make a peace, a balance within ourselves. It’s necessary to rise above ourselves and stand grounded with the people, to better mankind by putting aside our differences, to put faith in the good of man once again.

[@nickaoke]

Do you think that, in order for one to become a king, he first needs to be a warrior?

[@rose1742]

I promise you, people haven’t changed much. We’ve always been this way, if not much worse/uneducated/ignorant

[@mreyesxix]

I wonder if many of us run away from the benevolent king mode because it requires the ultimate sacrifice to embody this archetype. Even if we all tried to be kings, there will always be a king of kings.

[@NobodyIshere70]

Jesus

[@antichristobama9127]

@@NobodyIshere70 yes

[@RetardEd001]

And we await His triumphant return.

[@619rasta]

What’s the ultimate sacrifice?

[@padrinozerocool]

King Solomon?

[@daniel_netzel]

Loved this video. I think this might be my favorite of yours yet! Annnnd now it's time for me to rewatch LOTR for the millionth time...

[@Raidmasterprod]

Let’s not forget The Lion King, too! Both films are among the most personal films of my youth (I consider The Lord of The Rings trilogy one film for the record).

[@KnightLincoln]

I too, believe it is the best one so far, with Telling the Story of a Hero's Departure right behind. An ol' reliable to come back for feels and inspiration.

[@squeet6831]

Wow, I didn't think a video like this would bring me to tears. But it does remind me of all the great men we've lost and all that they have sacrificed--from the nameless, faceless soldiers to the true kings like Marcus Aurelius.

[@danielramsey6141]

Bahamut from Final Fantasy 15 said it best when Noctis (a King himself) meets with him. The Dragon King knew the Burden Noctis had to endure. "Many Sacrificed all for the King, So must the King Sacrifice himself for all."

[@mnorth1351]

Daniel Ramsey That is beautiful. And that is what Christ the King does - sacrifices himself for all.

[@danielramsey6141]

Matthew Northenscold Indeed, the same goes for Lord Gwyn of Dark Souls. The God King of the First Flame who wanted to stave off the Age of the Dark Lord by rekindling the First Flame and thus used himself. It's sad though, as it did not stop, but prolonged the Age of Fire and left him a former shell of himself, now a Lord of Cinder. I love how most of the core themes for Videos games, Movies and Books all draw from the same well of Inspiration, either real or imaginative. But no matter what, these Mythological aspects hold so much potential for reinvention 😁

[@SrLupinotuum]

Also, Martin Septim, man... there are some nice kings in media

[@imiguifurr]

So, ultimately, the king is a figure of love... Since love is ultimately the sacrifice and death of the ego

[@bobbyboljaar7513]

There are dozens of channels popping up lately making video essays about film. Most of them don't really have anything to say, but I must say that this channel is a great addition, someone who can aspire to be on par with great creators like Lessons from the screenplay or Every frame a painting, and although these two may have inspired him, he surely has his own voice and gives another perspective to film. Great to discover your channel and I hope to see more of you in the future. btw, your accent tells me your Dutch, right?

[@LikeStoriesofOld]

Thanks! And yes I'm Dutch :)

[@MinJabe24]

Bobby Boljaar i

[@kroozader]

This is on point. I'm seeing a lot of channels pop up with the same soft spoken pseudo philosophical essays, but this is the first I see which actually has something real and well researched to say. Lessons from the screenplay and Every frame a painting are amazing, but each focused on the technical aspect of the respective art they address (script and visual narrative). This one goes into the philosophical vision of the works, and it completes a neat triad :D

[@Backwardsman95]

The smaller channels like this or just write can have content on par with nerdwriter and avoid veering into watchmojo bland top 10 channels with "fun facts."

[@applemyomg]

Agreed. Loads of emtpy film videos on KZbin. This channel actually has something real to say.

[@mrScififan2]

“THE KING WITHIN “ is one of my favorite, most life-changing books. It’s amazing that I never found this video until now. Makes one wonder what else I am missing...

[@fredriksejr8211]

Hands down one of the greatest video essays I've seen. This goes up there with Nerdwriter's Arrival analysis and Lessons from the Screenplay's American Beauty video. Thank you very much :)

[@thelurkingpanda3605]

way better than nerdwriter

[@nateroxx]

I come back to this video every few months to remind myself of what authentic, healthy masculinity strives to be. Watching this makes me feel a certain strength emanating from my core. Thank you for making these.

[@CautionBarrier]

Me too

[@NovaZero]

How the King archetype is portrayed in Fate/Zero is interesting (especially the King's Banquet scene) -- the idea of living as an inspirational figure for how their people and culture should be is also an interesting take but as is the concept of unrealistically living through one's virtues without regard to their human struggles can doom one's subjects and brings about the doom of the kingdom... It applies much the same concepts.

[@alexalex-mk9is]

NovaZero Iskander makes a pretty good middle ground

[@lucianocastillo694]

This means blindly moving toward something virtuous but also impossible or curtain of destruction, leading to a blind fate? Not grasping the concept entirely.

[@_Cato_]

Humanity needs to see a good King again.

[@ashwinp5518]

Enthios Humanity already has plenty of great kings. The challenge is not letting our notions of what a king should be get in the way of recognizing the courage and compassion of everyday heroes.

[@thinkspiritual]

You ARE the good king (if you so choose to be).

[@moanguspickard249]

Enthios elon musk

[@kinngrimm]

As a leader sure, but not as conquerer and certainly not within a kingdom.

[@legoneb]

God emperor?

[@victorortiz193]

"There they wait in fear, with swords in feeble hands... with dreams to be a king, first, one should be a man".

[@MalcrowAlogoran]

Victor Ortiz Carolus Rex. Nice.

[@lordraido9276]

I call them out and charge them all with a life that is a lie And in their final hour they shall confess before they die

[@lordraido9276]

@@MalcrowAlogoran Actually, it's Manowar. But Sabaton are good too.

[@hamarbiljungskile8953]

Ah, a man of culture.

[@chrispafrieddreamaster4085]

I didn't see anything about Arthur, removing the sword from the stone. A stable boy who had the heart and soul to be King but not of the talents and "requirements" they thought u needed to be King, a prime example! This channel still rocks though..

[@benediktzoennchen]

Again I want to thank you deeply for your contribution! In our crazy times in which we are still driven by property values and the anxiety to lose those. In times in which astrology has the same reputation as science. In times in which wisdom is something strange and truth is confused with opinions. You give me hope that there are still people who are brave and who are joining the adventure of disrupting the former Zeitgeist to change our values in a kind and peaceful way, to establish a kingdom of truth and wisdom. I have little hope but maybe we can do it without catastrophe.

[@LikeStoriesofOld]

That was beautiful! Thank you :)

[@Saschainthelight]

I can't even tell you how much I love your videos. They are helping me through some challenging times and are providing guidance on how to step into my power and maturity. Thank you so much!

[@jamiefinn4438]

Just me or was this a rather emotional video?

[@ifrosttya9792]

This video man...like I'm 21 years old and this change my life for ever thanks dude God bless you 🙏👏

[@macksonamission1784]

This video had me in tears. The end, where you summed up the king also had me thinking of all the ways Jesus embodies or incarnates the King archetype, even before his exaltation. I'm glad to have found your channel.

[@CourtesyPhone]

Same here, made my hair stand up.

[@kevincrady2831]

Why do you think Jesus would be a good king? Let's look at his leadership: If we just take the New Testament texts as they are, then during his life he tried to create an _ekklesia_ ("Congregation" or "Church") that was to be headed by his twelve disciples. For these positions, he chose people who really weren't very bright, then one of them betrayed the movement and got him killed. This organization collapsed almost immediately upon his death, so that some other guy--Paul--had to be brought in out of nowhere (i.e. no prophecies of his coming) and do the heavy lifting of getting Christianity started. Christianity preserved far more of Paul's words than Jesus', and most of Jesus' hand-picked disciples failed so hard that they disappeared entirely from history except for stories the Church made up about them centuries later. Apart from Peter, James, and John, they even disappear from the New Testament. Jesus told his followers that he would be coming back "soon," that "some now standing here would not taste death before all these things are fulfilled," and told the High Priest Caiaphas that he would "see the Son of Man coming in the clouds." Needless to say, Jesus is very, _very_ late. The Book of Revelation tells us that Jesus is going to level up to Godzilla mode when he returns, slaughter the vast majority of humanity, and establish a new regime under his rule. Then he will reign with an iron scepter for 1000 years, but at the end of that time, Satan gets released on parole. Here's the key: after 1000 years of Jesus' undisputed domination, the moment a semi-credible opposition force appears, the world rises in revolt. Jesus and his supporters are driven back to Jerusalem and placed under siege. So Jesus fails utterly as a ruler (pretty much everyone wants to get rid of him the first chance they get) and as a military leader. And this is a _prediction_ made by one of his own propagandists, not something written by a Satanist. The Book of Revelation goes on to tell us that fire will come down from Heaven to destroy the Rebels, that Yahweh will return with his jewelry-box Borg cube to destroy the Universe and start over, establishing a (supposedly) permanent regime that makes North Korea look like Switzerland. This regime is able to last only because Jesus/Yahweh has/have unlimited brute force and unlimited sadism ("Hell"). These are the _worst possible_ attributes to have in a king.

[@mrD66M]

The ability to delegate well is extremely underrated in a leader - no one, no matter how good they are, can do everything by themselves.

[@StandardizedApologetics]

This is one of my favorite KZbin channels and one of my favourite series! It's deep, magical, and inspiring! (Also side note: I can't help but watch each of these thinking about how Jesus exemplifies perfection of each archetype. These videos helped me appreciate his perfection in a new way. Thank you so much for the work put into this series.)

[@jeffschneider5120]

Standardized Apologetics re: Jesus. I feel you! Do you mind expanding on how he does for each archetype? I feel it intuitively but can’t quite describe it

[@ariannablove]

YES! I know I'm three years late to this comment, but I was thinking this through the entire essay!

[@nicholaslee5885]

6 years later and still one of my favourite videos on KZbin

[@pdzombie1906]

I stayed up until 3:00 am making subtitles in spanish for this awesome video. I really hope they upload them soon so my friends can see it. I also loved the Moonlight video, I'll try to make subtitles for it too when I get some time off. Great job with your channel, I think Nolan and Malick don't get enough recognition. I hope you make one about female archetypes soon. Thanx!!!

[@LikeStoriesofOld]

Thank you!! I just approved it (and a bunch of others too!)

[@greycristo4521]

I've listened to this over and over again in the last couple years. It's a truth I've personally have strived to live by.

[@darrens3747]

The best one the King Archetype I've seen so far. Each scene was curated perfectly to accompany the in depth analysis. Absolutely love this video!

[@arhabersham]

Did anybody else cried, feeling deeply moved by the realization of what his/her "kingdom" is, and the power (no matter how small) the lie under our own feet?

[@bubblemage1791]

When Aragorn told Theodin that 'Gondor Calls for aid' Theodin's reply made my cry, like come on. this whole video made me cry ᶦᵗˢ ˢᵒ ᵍᵒᵒᵈ

[@mrScififan2]

Thank you for this . I read the four books your videos are based on when I was in my late twenties early thirties. Changed my life for the better.

[@mattgumbley6080]

Very good. Hope you do magician and warrior.

[@felipe5512]

this is the first time, in all my years visiting youtube, that a channel drags me into a virtuous cycle of watching and learning. Started with The Grey video and I can't stop nor I want to. This is, without question, my favourite youtube channel.

[@RKroese]

I miss "becoming the king" story, which all these stories have.

[@lucasstrong9208]

I have been astounded by the quality of content that pops up in my recommended from time to time, this channel being one of the great examples. I work with youth as a coach, and it is difficult. Leading adults is hard enough with everyone's own ambitions potentially distracting from the collective goal, but leading children presents its own, very different challenges. First and foremost, I try to remember that I am a role model of a man first, and of a player second. No matter how much I know about the game, I do the boys a disservice if I cannot show and teach how to be a good man. I am so glad to have found this channel and especially this series of videos that help me analyze myself as a person and more importantly as a leader. The boys have some big games coming up, and I thought I could use a review to help me be the best coach I can be. Thank you for the constant inspirations.

[@gabrieltdu5780]

the best king is rhe wich king of angmmharrrrrrrrtr arghhh

[@lazyshoggy]

Is he the one who lives in the castle of Aaaaaarrrghhhh ?

[@AnonYmous-cf2ci]

These videos are so masterfully crafted that i find myself coming back again, and again when my spirit needs reminding of things.

[@joselazo9799]

Too many comments on "reality" and true "history" The video essay isn't about history or real kings, sultans, tyrants, presidents, etc. It's about kings and their representation in films and television. Although I do not agree completely with the video it isn't hard to understand the point, especially when the hypothesis is in the title.

[@ineffablebeing4276]

Some people are shallow and superficial in their observations. Most points made go over their heads. Hence why you have the “muh reality and history” crowd.

[@AngeloXification]

I think the video is an examination of what we as a culture envision kings to be. It's the creative idea of what the role is. We know what a good king is and we know what a bad king is. Whether people actually represent that in the real world is how we measure the "goodness" of a king.

[@mylordandsaviour4786]

This is neither about history nor film nor reality. This is about what could be and what should be and what better humans strive for. This is about a way of living, deeply embedded in every healthy human - which works. Evolution is not kind to us and too many advantages lie in stealing, lying, tyrannizing and things like that. But evolution also gave us this and we can use it to build a better world

[@Theembodimentchannel]

Last year I lead an event for 50k people and this video helped me A LOT. Realised I should say thank you and that you’re helping people change the world :-) thanks man

[@TolkienStudy]

Very good! Very true of the Land too, Tolkien writes about it so does Lewis because Christ was that as well plus more and in a deep way. Interesting with Theoden because he goes from dark to light and so does the land, the people, etc.. Part of the King archetype is the sword and heraldry. Awesome video

[@joosthulsman191]

I love to rewatch this video every now and then.

[@neptunejoo]

Interesting. I wish you would do more archetypes videos. Like the wise man, the heroes/the knight, the trickster, the mother or the maiden

[@sirloin9348]

I personally think this is one of the greatest KZbin videos ever, as well as his video on Metal Gear/Logan about the hero's demise. Simply beautiful, causing tears every time.

[@luuketaylor]

This video essay was incredible (though all of yours are), and I am grateful for each new upload of yours. I tried not to tear up at the end there. Powerful stuff. We appreciate your hard work very much.

[@bking8984]

You, my dear boy, are quite clearly from another planet, a great planet. Thank you for your efforts and for your perfect use of words. They say that the pen is mightier than the sword yet your tongue could be the most devastating weapon we have ever seen. To all kings, to all people, from the bottom of my heart, rise, rise up and feel the sunlight on your face because you are worthy. Many are not, demons exist, war is staring us down but we will never surrender.

[@zoecarlyle4757]

Your videos are fantastic, from the script, your diction on words, the editing and the general though you put in the elements of stories and films. Keep going!! Your videos are gems

[@averywhere6921]

Your teachings reach into the future, and are met with profound gratitude. Thank you.

[@axucel]

You deserve so many more viewers than you get. Your videos are so well structured.

[@thembanitheone]

Beasts of No Nation... very good film. Idris Elba... such a powerful and moving actor.

[@bismark5566]

Its an Honor to watch this video. Thank you sire.

[@gamecaesar6743]

Broer je hebt een lauw nederlands accent gab , heb echt respect voor je dat je engels praat om een groter publiek te bereieken en de content is het zekee ook waard echt een interessant onderwerp dankjewel.

[@eoris12]

Absolute beauty of a video, thanks for this!

[@paulodr33]

No words. Since I clicked that "subscribe" button I've never regretted it. You make amazing video essays, sir. There are good ones but yours is just oozing with content and knowledge.

[@blueblockk]

You delivered! Thanks for posting another great video essay and dissecting this magnificent book once again. Looking forward to more videos of your's to come!

[@daves-c8919]

This video gets clearer and more important every time I watch it

[@DeadEndFrog]

"What makes a great king? A headless one" - the french

[@Gadget-Walkmen]

Didn't they end up with a monarch at the end of all that?

[@DeadEndFrog]

@@Gadget-Walkmen an emperor yes, but he too dissapeared like they all do given enough time

[@seijinumaru]

I like this because it can also be read as someone who doesn't let their ego get in the way.

[@enrolladennou2431]

They cut his head after years of wars and starvation for finaly run away in an enemy country for make war against his own people, I think there are better kings. Like many others kings he was not a real "king" because it was not his choice.

[@benjaminthibieroz4155]

@@enrolladennou2431 there was indeed starvation but no war. War only began AFTER Louis the sixteenth was beheaded, as a retaliation from Europe Monarchy. Also, "fleeing to an ennemy country" is a false and anachronistic opinion. King Louis was only reaching for his allies as a way to reclaim his throne which he thought was unfairly seized by revolutionnaries whom he saw as a threat to the people. He may not have been a great king, but he wasn't a bad one. Most of all, he was unlucky. Also, there were hundred of kings in history that has been brutally executed by their people, rival and formal allies in difficult times. England did the same with Charles the first. There's nothing French in it.

[@jeffreymodak6703]

I began by watching your analysis on Spiderman -3. I was moved beyond words on how apt the lessons were. And now, I cannot express how empowered and inspired I feel, having watched this. Brilliant! Simply brilliant. God bless you and keep up the fantastic work!

[@Amadeus_2061]

Your channel is GOLD. One of my favorites on YT. Keep up the great work.

[@holyelliw]

This has to be one of my favorite videos on KZbin, if not the favorite.

[@blubberbernd2347]

This is some awfully well researched and crafted content. Inspiring. Thank you.

[@highfae]

To put it simply, a King is *a good man.* Every man has the potential to be the king of his life.

[@Zentagon]

Very good work LSOO. Really enjoyed this video and it gave me something to think about as well. Keep it up.

[@nicholas.j.w]

Your work is absolutely stunning brother! Thank you so much for these incredible gifts!

[@heartofdawnlight]

Great video, sad to not see the meeting of Kings from Fate Zero though. It shows three different kings and their ideologies confront each other, and its fantastic.

[@josuadosreis2269]

I listen to this over and over. Beautiful.

[@djoebidoe]

Great clear video with practical insights for our modern lives!

[@Mr09saxmajor]

you HAVE to continue this series it has taught me so much and made such an impact on my life in such a short time. Please make more

[@thembanitheone]

So essentially something like affirming the importance of every single individual. Yup. Basically what I've been looking for in top diplomats and state representatives, politicians... it's my biggest metric.

[@benk1307]

You must become what you seek in these political officials. There will never be a day when we find it in them, we are meant to find it within ourselves

[@byronwilliams7977]

This video essay is the answer to the common refrain, "toxic masculinity". You've articulated an ideal to work towards. Thank you 👍

[@Bhuyakasha]

Reminds me of the poem "If" by Rudyard Kipling.

[@marcusanark2541]

Great reading: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m3OTl4N8oZiqqKM

[@saeidk736]

the only poem i have memorized

[@thegreenmage6956]

Thank you. This was Power. I am so often disappointed by this world, and these cheap creations I behold within it can do nought to make me feel. But you have done this, Sir. You have made me cry. This video brought tears to my eyes and granted me true emotion, especially at the notion of a King's ability and courage to sacrifice himself for something higher than himself. With my heart of hearts, thank you, thank you. Thank you.

[@SpanishDio]

If Kings were as good as in this video, I'd prefer to live in a kingdom than in a Democracy any day.

[@comradebear9477]

According to the Mahabharata, the reason people replaced Democracy with Monarchy is that Democracies invariably became hedonistic atheistic kleptocracies that ended in Civil War.

[@alpeshabhijitchowdhury6895]

You're comparing an ideal Monarchy to a realistic democracy. The truth is that reality can never be utopian and if there's one thing we've learnt from monarchy in the real world is that they always end in tyranny.

[@nonenone6704]

At least in monarchy, it is a legitimate ruler turning bad, and everyone can blame the king. With democracy, it first devolves into an illegitimate oligarchy then a tyranny of some sort, but there is no one person to lay the blame at. If absolute power corrupts absolutely, then instead of monarchy leading to an absolutely corrupt king, democracy leads to an absolutely corrupt people. That said, government also depends on the philosophy of the people. A monarchistic people cannot support a good democracy, just as a democratic people cannot support a good king.

[@comradebear9477]

@@alpeshabhijitchowdhury6895 Hilarious. I know you modern Indian kids will never read a Hindu scholar like Bhishma or Kamandaki or Madhava or Savakar, so atleast read Nick Land or BAP instead.

[@alpeshabhijitchowdhury6895]

@@comradebear9477 You call me a kid yet you sound like every other edgy 14 year old I've ever talked to. Also stop directing me to books, that's not how debating works. Present your argument and I'll present mine and then we point out the flaws in eachother's arguments

[@Egginator6969]

Wish i could like this video more than just once

[@TableTennisLover1234]

With 7 billion + people on this planet, It's quite disheartening that we can't seem to find one or two leaders with these magnificent and inspiring traits to look up to.

[@alaricdelano8159]

It has more to do with the modern order having little time for straight laced,practical discussion and an ambition to get things done.They want problems to last as long as possible to keep importance so a no nonsense efficient person has little chance of success

[@nukethenarrative5873]

We will as a people get the Kings we deserve the moment we deserve them. How better then to become your own king? And your only king!

[@krazyhorze777]

TableTennisLover1234 they are everywhere, unsong heroes who don’t ask for glory.

[@mikesolns1364]

His name is Jesus. Believe in Him for eternal life

[@cwfilli]

This entire series is truly magnificent. Thank you for putting so much attention and care into it. Moore's and Gillette's book is a fantastic read, some of the best stuff I've ever read on Archetypes.

[@TheRealValus]

"God wants there to be gods." ~ Novalis

[@kontraformalan9942]

You my friend, are a king! Thanks for these sparks of light in the dark! Rise my Kings, lets become the best version or ourself and inspire others to do the same!

[@christiantarigan9407]

Aragorn, Ragnar and Jon snow...they are true Kings

[@UnsolicitatedWisdom]

Christian Tarigan you sure about Ragnar?

[@lordraido9276]

@@UnsolicitatedWisdom You sure about Jon Snow?

[@UnsolicitatedWisdom]

Georgi honestly 😂

[@silviavanderheiden5164]

Loving this little series!!! So spot on. If anything can bridge worlds, to unite, it is this we all have in common. Great magical job! Shared!

[@josephboone4326]

Do the magician next

[@thembanitheone]

The trickster archetype is my favourite to write about.

[@alexisrenaudin1017]

found out about you today, your channel as a great potential. will you do a video about cloud atlas ?

[@LikeStoriesofOld]

Thanks! I love that film! I talk about it a little bit in my video on Sense8, which is also made by the Wachowski's and deals with similar themes

[@alexisrenaudin1017]

Average James Almost true !

[@ivanstyles2065]

Your content is very well done from pillar to post. The research, editing, soundtrack, and most importantly, essays, show true craft. Absolutely fantastic work. Bravo!

[@AncientOfDays]

Are you a human? Your videos are not from this world. Amazing!

[@ryansizemore5064]

Thank you for that last line. Its the perfect way to distinguish the archetype.

[@PippTheKid]

"King Ragnar that is my name!"

[@AA-rv3yc]

Hail Odin, Hail king Ragnar.

[@jonacacarr3839]

Yet another masterpiece. This is a magnificent series

[@tss3393]

Hahahaha I lost my shit when I heard Mufasa's voice cut over the White Walkers! Was that intentional or just one of those happy accidents you come across while editing?

[@LikeStoriesofOld]

A little of both :)

[@harshravuri5033]

Unbelievably beautiful and profound. I cannot believe I didn’t find this channel before.

[@Ptaku93]

3:10 what are you talking about here? I've seen this notion many times - that first existed the peaceful, matriarchal societies that left no trace of themselves, because they ultimately gave way to warlike patriarchies. Yet the more I see this mentioned (it really became a trope or an archetype unto itself), the harder it seems to really find tangible sources or evidence that would support the notion of "peaceful matriarchies of the past". So could you provide some sources on this?

[@LikeStoriesofOld]

I'm not sure whether or not it's based on actual historical evidence, the authors of the book, very much like Joseph Campbell, focus more on mythological representations. Also, according to them it's not so much a difference between peaceful and warmongering that separates matriarchal societies from patriarchal ones, but rather technological advancements that are used to cultivate and dominate nature and have historically been associated with masculinity

[@jamiemurray461]

The earliest piece of work is usually attributed to Lewis Morgan, an American anthropologist, and later work by Friedrich Engels. Subsequently the notion of purely linear cultural evolution has fallen out of favor but the patterns of matriarchal societies are still studied. Hope that helps.

[@AliciaNyblade]

The documentary "Goddess Remembered" explains it well: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eIO5aXifjbiSp5Y

[@Freyathrith]

The book The Chalice and the Blade

[@StoicDivinity]

Historical matriarchies never left any evidence of their civilizations because matriarchies do not build civilizations. Up until the invention of firearms, men historically, had a monopoly on violence. Groups of organized men will always overcome the chaos of tribal matriarchies. Matriarchies fail and have failed throughout history, because men are the ones who either defend the matriarchy, or take control over the matriarchy.

[@genequist3859]

The way you explain these things is really uplifting and soothing and inspiring. I think you really capture something about the fundamental need, which is distinctively human, to pass down stories and myths and see ourselves reflected in the echoes of the past. Well done, sir.