This comprehensive analysis of near-death experiences examines ten unique cases in which the hero should have died, but miraculously survived. From a soldier who was shot multiple times and walked away unscathed to a mountaineer who fell thousands of feet and still managed to survive, this article takes an in-depth look at these incredible stories and explores why these heroes were able to defy death. With detailed descriptions of each event and interviews with survivors, this article provides an informative and fascinating look into the power of the human spirit.
10 Times When the Hero Should Have Died: A Comprehensive Analysis of Near-Death Experiences
It is a well-known trope in literature and film that the hero always survives. Whether it is a daring escape from a burning building or surviving a near-death experience, the hero always finds a way to live on. But what if the hero actually should have died? What if the circumstances of the story were such that death was the only logical conclusion? Here we take a look at 10 times when the hero should have died but managed to survive against all odds.
1. Luke Skywalker Survives His Trench Run
In Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope, Luke Skywalker manages to destroy the Death Star with a single shot during his famous trench run. This feat seems impossible, yet somehow he manages to pull it off. The odds of him surviving the intense firefight between the Rebel X-Wings and the Imperial TIE Fighters are slim to none. Yet, despite the overwhelming odds, Luke manages to make it out alive.
2. Harry Potter Avoids Voldemort’s Killing Curse
In the Harry Potter series, Voldemort attempts to kill Harry Potter multiple times. The most notable instance is in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. During this battle, Voldemort fires a killing curse at Harry. Somehow, Harry is able to avoid the curse and survive. It is never explained how he manages to do this, leaving many readers wondering how he was able to survive such an attack.
3. Neo Escapes Agent Smith
In The Matrix, Neo is pursued by Agent Smith throughout the movie. In one scene, Neo is trapped in a subway station and is surrounded by Agent Smith clones. He manages to escape, but only after a long and difficult fight. It seems unlikely that he could have survived such an encounter, yet he manages to do so.
4. John McClane Outruns an Explosion
In Die Hard, John McClane is faced with a ticking time bomb. He manages to escape the building just before the bomb explodes, narrowly avoiding certain death. This scene is particularly suspenseful as it seems impossible for him to make it out alive. Yet, somehow, he manages to do so.
5. Indiana Jones Escapes the Rolling Boulder
In Raiders of the Lost Ark, Indiana Jones is faced with a giant rolling boulder. He manages to escape the boulder by jumping into a small crevice in the wall. This scene is especially thrilling as it seems impossible for him to make it out alive. Yet, against all odds, he manages to survive.
6. Ellen Ripley Fights the Alien Queen
In Aliens, Ellen Ripley faces off against the Alien Queen in a climactic battle. Despite being vastly outnumbered and outmatched, she manages to defeat the Queen and escape with her life. This scene is particularly intense as it seems impossible for her to survive such an encounter. Yet, she manages to do so.
7. James Bond Escapes a Narrow Shaft
In Goldfinger, James Bond is chased by Oddjob through a narrow shaft. He manages to escape the shaft by using a grappling hook, narrowly avoiding death. This scene is especially thrilling as it seems impossible for him to make it out alive. Yet, somehow, he manages to do so.
8. Katniss Everdeen Survives the Hunger Games
In The Hunger Games, Katniss Everdeen is forced to participate in a deadly tournament. She manages to survive the tournament, despite the overwhelming odds against her. This scene is especially emotional as it seems impossible for her to make it out alive. Yet, somehow, she manages to do so.
9. Frodo Baggins Escapes Mount Doom
In The Lord of the Rings, Frodo Baggins is tasked with destroying the One Ring in the fires of Mount Doom. He manages to accomplish this task, despite the overwhelming danger. This scene is especially powerful as it seems impossible for him to make it out alive. Yet, somehow, he manages to do so.
10. Ethan Hunt Escapes a Nuclear Explosion
In Mission Impossible III, Ethan Hunt is faced with a nuclear explosion. He manages to escape the explosion, despite the intense heat and radiation. This scene is especially intense as it seems impossible for him to make it out alive. Yet, somehow, he manages to do so.
These are just a few examples of times when the hero should have died but managed to survive against all odds. Each of these stories is a testament to the power of the human spirit and its ability to overcome even the most dire of circumstances.