Good vs. evil is a main motif in much of literature. It’s in all my stories. It’s been a dilemma mankind has faced since Adam and Eve. I grew up viewing the villain as despicable and not deserving redemption. My childhood versions of the “bad guy” normally died or was cursed forever. But God has shown us another way when He sent Jesus to die for us, so rather than kill off all the villains, my older and wiser self has given them another path.
Matthew 7:1 says, “Do not judge, or you will be judged.” Romans 3:23 says, “All have sinned and fallen short.”
Villain redemption is one of the main themes in The Aerowyn Tales twisted fairy tale series. Along with that, this trilogy has everything you need for the perfect saga: action, adventure, heroes, romance, and mythical creatures.
When I began writing my fairy tale re-imaginings, I put myself in the villains’ shoes and asked, “Why do they act the way they do?” I slowly found a way to understand the villains many readers seem to idolize. Don’t get me wrong, I’ll never cheer for evil. I think rooting for the morally gray or bad boy was trending a few years ago in popular books. I’ve never been a fan. The “bad boys” in my books are given choices for reform, because their vile behavior isn’t rewarded.
Books can arm readers with weapons to fight the darkness. Our favorite literature isn’t only an entertaining respite from a world gone haywire. It can teach us how to navigate through the upside-down sea of humankind.
Currently I’m re-reading Harry Potter and I’ve often compared it to Star Wars, which is another one of my favorites. Lord Voldemort and the Dark Lord have the usual things many villains have in common: they love power and will do whatever it takes to maintain it. Then you have your main heroes Harry Potter and Luke Skywalker who start out clueless about their potential capabilities. Add their friends and allies such as Ron, Hermione, Leia, and Han Solo, which is a great blueprint for good vs. evil. Friends, family, love, courage, loyalty, and strength ensure victory. God has the blueprint in the Bible, but even with God on your side, a team of people throughout your life to cheer you on makes the path easier to cross.
Maybe you’ve been on the wrong side at one time, or you know someone who currently is. Perhaps my stories and other ones can show how mercy works. I still believe in consequences even if a villain is repentant. The world would be a better place if all were accountable for their choices. But when a villain truly wants to change, forgiveness needs to be available.
“It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.” ~ Harry Potter Chamber of Secrets
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