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What is it about the great stories that draw us so? Maybe something like the Lord of the Rings is obvious. We all long for adventure, love, and purpose. This epic tale can at times speak to some of our deepest longings though it is fantastical. Why do we love the characters? Because they are heroes. And why are they heroes? Because they beat impossible odds against an impending evil.

Just what we are called to do in this dark world.

Because the world is dark, right?

The story I now want to consider is the more recent Hunger Games trilogy. I know a lot can be and has been said about these stories. But I think it is extremely relevant right now. Think of how big a hit the books and the movie are at this time. Why is that? I would have to say it’s more than a fad—people like the story. We are drawn to it. We love the characters. This is a different tale than Lord of the Rings in many ways; however I would venture to propose there are more similarities than we might realize.

So what is it about The Hunger Games that pulls us in so relentlessly? At first look, it is a gruesome, hopeless tale. Our protagonists are caught in a terrifying reality that for all they know they will never escape. The games happen every year, they have a chance of being chosen to participate, and every year 23 out of the 24 kids will inevitably die. It’s the way things are.

But does it have to be?

That is the essential question.

That is how these two epics from different centuries collide to tell the tale of our lives. They are not the only ones of course, but I believe wonderful examples nonetheless. These are stories in which the hero or heroes must defy odds and become just that—the hero they are meant to be. They must choose whether the cost is worth it to them to rebel against what is. They must rise above the status quo. They must choose to do not what is expected of them, but what will seem impossible, unfruitful, and even crazy to others. It’s about their struggles, their choices, and their perseverance.

There is a line in The Hunger Games where Gale asks Katniss the question: “What if we didn’t watch?” He was talking about what would happen if people just stopped watching the games. Basically, if we took away the popularity or the demand for it, it wouldn’t be successful anymore. The control of the Capitol would be demolished. If they lose the people’s fear or trust (depending on which they have) they have lost their power. Similarly, in The Lord of the Rings the characters must decide that the Dark Lord and all his minions do not have to have power over them. The evil in Middle Earth has taken its control also by means of fear. I think the Ring of power at least partly represents fear. If the enemy doesn’t have their fear, they don’t have power.

These are poignant and powerful stories. Though fantasy, they speak to our lives. So, the question is, can we, like Frodo or Katniss, gather the courage to make choices against the status quo, step out and take a stand for what is right and good, and destroy fear not only for our own lives but for the sake of setting others free?

Even when there appears to be no hope?

Because there always is. That’s why we keep reading.