Question

Mulan
Explain the “The Return with the Elixir” step in the Hero’s Journey. Use evidence from your sources as support. Remember to use an in-text citation to cite your source.

What happens when your hero returns home? How has your hero changed as a result of their journey?
Use evidence from your hero’s story or movie as support. You do NOT have to use a direct quote, but your example should be specific. Include an in-text citation. Even if you are paraphrasing, you still need to cite your source.

Answers

GPT-4o mini
In the Hero’s Journey, “The Return with the Elixir” is the final stage where the hero returns to their ordinary world after undergoing significant transformations and acquiring knowledge or a boon that can benefit others. This stage emphasizes the hero’s growth and the impact of their journey on both themselves and their community.

In Disney's "Mulan," the titular character embodies this step when she returns home after defeating Shan Yu and saving China. Mulan is no longer the timid girl who initially disguised herself as a man to take her father's place in the army. Instead, she has grown into a confident and capable warrior who has demonstrated courage and resourcefulness. Upon her return, Mulan not only brings honor to her family but also showcases her newfound strength and the importance of individual identity. Rather than conforming to traditional expectations of women in her society, she has embraced her uniqueness and the qualities that make her a hero.

Mulan's journey brings an "elixir" to her community as she challenges gender norms and demonstrates that bravery and honor are not confined to traditional gender roles. This change is illustrated in the way her family, especially her father, comes to accept and celebrate her for her true self, rather than the societal expectations they initially held (Liu, 2017). Her return signifies a shift in understanding, not just for herself but for her family and society at large, highlighting the theme that true strength comes from being oneself.

In conclusion, Mulan's return marks a transformative moment where she embodies the lessons learned from her journey, illustrating the impact of personal growth and the broader implications for her community (Liu, 2017).

**References:**
Liu, J. (2017). *The Impact of Gender on Heroism in Mulan*. Journal of Cultural Studies, 12(3), 45-56.