Rise and Rise Again: What It Means to Be a True Hero

Ever since I was a kid, I’ve been hooked on superheroes from comic books to epic movie sagas. Years have flown by, but my love for heroes hasn’t faded. That said, my idea of a hero has evolved.

These days, my favorite heroes don’t need super strength like Superman - though let’s be honest, only he could pull off tight pants and underwear on the outside with total confidence. And they definitely don’t need to flip through the air or stick to walls like Spider-Man doing high-flying gymnastics. 

To me, a true hero is someone with a warm heart someone who loves their people and protects them no matter the cost.

Now, while my DUCKS alliance isn’t exactly winning glory in our current battle against Bootleggers 3 (and yes, my two attacks scored a painful 0 stars), let me take this moment to introduce you to my two favorite heroes and the films that capture their spirit.

Robin Hood 2010 

Have you ever saw the quote ❝ Rise and rise again, until lambs become lions ❞? Of course it is on the header of this blog. However, it is actually a powerful line from the 2010 film Robin Hood, directed by Ridley Scott. In that film Robin Longstride’s rise from a common archer to a respected military leader.

Gentlemen are coming to town

Why Robin Hood's Story Resonates

What I love most about Robin Hood is the way he and his men return from battle and live among the villagers of Nottingham, becoming part of the community. They fight for the people, robbing back seeds from corrupt church officials and delivering their punishment with a dash of humor. Then, under the cover of night, while women and children sleep, they quietly replant the seeds, sowing hope with every handful of soil. That must be the work of true gentlemen.

The Hero's Human Side

These warriors transform into guardians, protectors, and friends. I'm particularly fond of the scene where Robin dives into the mud to rescue Marian and a goat – the image of him prioritizing the goat's safety first still cracks me up.

Epic Moments: The Village Rescue

The Village Rescue scene is truly unforgettable – an intense and thrilling sequence where Robin and his Merry Men launch a daring mission to save the villagers from marauders. The team collaborates with the villagers to take down soldiers with bows and swords, showcasing the camaraderie and skill of his men. The rapid action, hand-to-hand combat, and archery set against a burning village backdrop make it an exhilarating moment. These men are not just warriors. They are living symbols of justice, compassion, and humanity.

What does the quote ‘Rise and rise again, until lambs become lions’ mean? It speaks to perseverance and resilience never giving up, no matter the odds. This was the message Robin conveyed in the film.

10,000 BC

In this film, a young hunter named D'Leh sets out to rescue his love and free enslaved tribes, rising from doubt to become a legendary leader in a prehistoric world of danger, destiny, and rebellion.

What I admire most about 10,000 BC is how D'Leh, much like Robin Hood, turns from zero to hero. Rising from dishonor, crossing deserts and mountains to reclaim not just freedom, but dignity. He doesn’t fight for fame; he fights for his tribe, for love, striving to liberate slaves, restore shattered families, and give his people the courage to believe again.

And within that quiet, unwavering strength, Tic'Tic’s words echo like a flame passed down through generations:

😄: A good man draws a circle around himself and cares for those within. His woman, his children. 😘😘: Other men draw a larger circle and bring within their brothers and sisters. 😎😎😎: But some men have a great destiny. They must draw around themselves a circle that includes many, many more.

From Lambs to Lions: Legends, Losses, and the Gentlemen Who Fight On?

So maybe we didn’t win this time in Battle Islands. Maybe our stars didn’t shine as bright as we hoped. But if there’s one thing Robin and D’Leh have taught us, it’s this: being a hero isn’t about perfect victories it’s about standing tall when the dust settles, lifting those around you, and fighting with honor even when the odds are stacked.

In a game where 99% of the players are men, let us be the kind who draw bigger circles—not just around ourselves, but around our team, our allies, and even our rivals. Let’s be gentlemen. Let's be heroes—not because we win every battle, but because we show up, grow stronger, and rise again.

We may have lost this round. But mark my words we're not done.
 

Keep growing. Keep fighting. And never give up. 🦆🦆🦆