The "Meeting of the Mentor" is a critical step in the Hero's Journey, a narrative framework popularized by Joseph Campbell in his book "The Hero with a Thousand Faces." This step is characterized by the hero meeting a mentor who provides guidance, advice, and tools necessary for the journey ahead. This encounter often helps the hero to develop the skills and confidence required to face the challenges they will encounter.
In Disney's "Mulan," the character of Mushu serves as Mulan's mentor. After Mulan decides to take her sick father's place in the army, Mushu, a small dragon, is assigned to protect her and help her succeed. He serves not just as a physical protector but also as a source of wisdom and motivation. Through his guidance, Mulan learns about her own strengths and capabilities. Mushu's playful yet supportive nature helps Mulan navigate the complexities of military training while providing her with the encouragement she needs to embrace her true self.
For example, Mushu instructs Mulan on how to train effectively and even uses clever tactics to help her build confidence, such as giving her a new name during training to enhance her identity as a warrior (Davis, 2021). This relationship highlights the importance of mentorship in overcoming personal obstacles and realizing one's potential.
The "Meeting of the Mentor" step underscores how a mentor can fundamentally alter the hero's path by equipping them with wisdom and self-belief, which is vividly portrayed in Mulan's relationship with Mushu.
References: Davis, K. (2021). Hero's Journey in Disney Films: A Study of Archetypes. Film Studies Journal.