The Hermit in the Media

The Hermit has been one of my favorite cards since I first picked up a deck. His deep reflective nature, his calm, grandfatherly presence and his lantern glowing steadily to help us through the dark all filled me with a paradoxical sense of protection and adventure. He is the wise sage, Grandfather Mountain and mentor – but he is also ancient warrior, fearless guide and devoted protector. He knows how to be alone, which is a skill most of us so desperately need. He trusts his own wisdom and does not let himself become swayed by the views of others. He has no problem going his own way and doing his own thing. He marches to the beat of his own drum and he could really care less if you like it or not. The shadowy side of the Hermit can be distrustful of others, withdrawing into himself when relationships become tiresome or difficult. He can be stubborn and stuck-in-the-past. The Hermit can be absent when he needs to engage.

Some examples of the Hermit in Media are:

Gandalf the Grey, Lord of the Rings

Gandalf is the classic hermit, he even looks like him! Long, silver beard and brightly lit staff there to guide you on your way. Gandalf is the wise sage who helps the Fellowship on their quest. He is the one whom everyone turns to in times of darkness, confusion and dread. Unlike the shadow aspect of the Hermit which he can be dispassionate about the events going on in the wider world, Gandalf is right in the throw of things. He fights in many of the major battles and saves the day on more than one occasion. The Hermit is the bringer of light into the darkness and Gandalf literally fights Darkness in the form of the Balrog. He strikes the perfect balance between teaching Frodo and the others what they need to know for their journey forward and letting them carve out their own paths. He trusts his companions to have his back and forms meaningful connections with them. He understands that love and connection to others is a strength and not a weakness.

Michonne, The Walking Dead

Michonne is a badass warrior goddess, and she is also a great example of the Hermit card. When we first meet her character, she is withdrawn and cold. She saves Andrea’s life, but remains at arm’s length with her until later in their journey together. Michonne learned early on in the fall of society that it was easier to survive if she was on her own. She is frightening with her sword and her pet Walkers and her “try me” attitude. She and Andrea become close in their travels and she takes care of her when she becomes sick. When they get to Woodbury and meet The Governor, Michonne remains skeptical even when Andrea falls under his spell. Michonne even threatens to leave Andrea there and set off on her own again if Andrea chooses to stay. As Michonne spends more time with Rick’s group she finds her place among them and begins to soften. She realizes how beneficial it is to be part of a group, not only for survival but for companionship, community and love. Michonne’s capacity for love is shown many times throughout the series, particularly when it comes to Carl, Rick and Judith. Even though she has become an integral part of the group at this point, she still maintains a lot of her Hermit nature. She is the strong, silent type. She is wise and kind and dependable. She is definitely someone I would want to have my back in the zombie apocalypse.

The Cut Wife, Penny Dreadful

The Cut Wife is not a huge part of the show, but she leaves a lasting impression on those who watch the series. The Cut Wife is a witch who has secluded herself in her cabin by the sea. She is wise, but gruff and very skeptical of strangers. She is treated as an outcast by the townsfolk, both by her own choice and by their prejudice against her. She is sought out by Vanessa for her wisdom and guidance, which she provides albeit reluctantly at first. She requires that Vanessa prove herself many times over, which make her strong. The Cut Wife and Vanessa become close in their time together, but she never truly lets her guard down. The Cut Wife is an example of the harsher side of the Hermit – still a healer, guide and mentor, but in a much more severe sense. She keeps reminding Vanessa that the road ahead is dangerous, hard and unrelenting. When Vanessa becomes more confident in her abilities, the Cut Wife reminds her that it isn’t enough, she must do more. She doesn’t coddle Vanessa, but in her severity she makes sure Vanessa is prepared to face the darkness to come.

Yoda, Star Wars

Yoda is another classic example of the Hermit as he has many of the basic traits. He is a wise, kind mentor to Luke as he trains to become a Jedi. Yoda was once a great warrior and Jedi himself, but when Anakin Skywalker turns to the Dark Side and become Darth Vader, Yoda takes great lengths to protect the lives of his children, Luke and Leia. Afterwards, Yoda leaves for a remote planet in a far off system to live out the rest of his days alone, blaming himself for all of the evil that happened. Many think he is dead and Luke only learns of his existence through Obi Wan when he becomes one with the Force. Yoda is reluctant to teach Luke because he believe he has too much of his father in him and he may turn to the Dark Side as well. This is an example of the shadow aspect of the Hermit at play. He could have easily decided not to train Luke or get involved in the War at all. He could have remained impartial to it all, but he decides to help and ultimately changes the course of the war through his actions. Yoda training Luke not only helped to win the War but also brought the Jedi back into existence to live on through further generations.

I hope that you all enjoyed this look at the Hermit in the Media. Click the links listed if you are interested in seeing my previous posts about the Fool and the Magician.

I will be back next time with the High Priestess.

xoxo