I did a recent survey of strangers as to who their legends are, and why. I did it because I’m interested to know if there are common themes in cultures as to who and what we currently value and respect.

And what I discovered was that sportspeople, entertainers and a sparse few characters from history were the favs. No surprises there.

So what does this say about our culture I wondered?

It really surprises me how so many have got these two archetypes mixed up: the athlete and the hero. They are so very different, yet so many athletes out there are expected to live up to the hero archetype. Their natural power lies in physical achievement and isn’t it asking them a bit too much to be the hero as well if that’s not their natural flow?

So why do we still crave heroes?

So who is your current legend or hero?

And what of them can you recognize in yourself?

Strongest Man competition. Phor!!