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Beyond the Hero

By: Allan B. Chinen PhD
Narrated by: Dan Keding
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Editor reviews

Allan B. Chinen, PhD, examines traditional folklore and fairy tales through the lens of middle age. Specifically, the clinical professor of psychiatry who calls himself the "Story Doctor" uses the compressed wisdom of fairy tales to help shepherd men through later development stages.

Renowned performer Dan Keding won the Circle of Excellence Award from the National Storytelling Network in 2000. In Beyond the Hero Keding is at the top of his game, drawing listeners into the strategic tales with his avuncular voice. Though performed without exposition, these "classic stories of men in search of soul" are meant to be consumed interactively, with listeners asking themselves how they can personally relate to the obstacles encountered by the protagonists of folklore and myth.

Summary

Is there life after John Wayne? After his glory days as the "cowboy" of Wall Street, the "master" of the podium and pulpit, or the "road warrior" of interstates, airports, and convention centers, the middle-aged man yearns to fill a void that he has just discovered - right in the center of his being. He wants to stop, to grow roots, to become somehow whole.

This quest is not a recent phenomenon, a result of the men's movement or a reaction to feminism. Indeed, it has been portrayed in tales throughout history. These tales from around the world portray fathers and sons battling for power, facing their shadows, meeting the trickster, and learning playfulness, camaraderie, and wisdom. Finally, they introduce male archetypes that are healers rather than heroes.

©1993 Allan B. Chinen (P)1998 August House Publishers, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Here are fresh insights into myth and masculinity. These ancient stories can heal present wounds." (John Lee, author of The Flying Boy)

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