Today, I uploaded my first video essay, in which I compare Vi from Arcane, to Galadriel, from Rings of Power. Vi is basically everything that Galadriel is trying to be, and in the video, I break it down into 6 moments, analysing a key moment from each show for each. In short, though, the thing that Vi does that Galadriel doesn't is show weakness. Because strength isn't about being perfect, it's about pushing through and succeeding despite your imperfections. There's a reason that the most powerful moment in House of the Dragon was an old man struggling to walk across a room, but I won't spoil what that's about. Go watch it.
Perhaps the reason that inner strength is a more compelling character trait than physical strength is that it's relatable to everyone. Not many people get into daily fist-fights or battles with snow trolls, but we've all felt angry. We may not have led adventures to rob a penthouse apartment or to trek across a tundra, but we've all had to work with others, and to work with people if you're more experienced in that area. We've all felt backed into a corner, wanted to scream or cry and punch a wall, or have had to force ourselves to our feet when all we want to do is curl up and cry into a pillow. So seeing a character do these things is a lot more powerful than the mere wanton catharsis of people punching things.
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