The Hero Wants A Married Woman As A Reward Raw

Okay, so picture this: you've got your classic hero. Muscles rippling, hair flowing in the wind (probably thanks to some convenient fantasy breeze), and a heart of, well, gold-ish. He's just slain the dragon, rescued the kingdom, and generally been an all-around awesome dude. What's he asking for as a reward? A mountain of gold? The royal throne? Nope. He wants...the already married woman. *Dramatic gasp!*

Yeah, it’s a trope. A weird one, let’s be honest. I mean, congratulations on saving everyone, but maybe check yourself before you wreck someone else’s marriage, buddy. But, before we grab our pitchforks and torches (metaphorically, of course. Let’s not start any real fires), let's delve a little deeper, shall we?

Why is this even a thing?

Honestly, there are a few reasons why this pops up in stories. Sometimes it's just bad writing. Plain and simple. The author needed a romantic subplot and didn't think it through. We've all been there, right? Staring at a blank page, desperately trying to fill the void with *something*?

But more often than not, it's about power dynamics. Our hero, having just saved the day, wields an insane amount of influence. He basically gets to write his own check, and in some stories, that includes choosing whomever he desires. It’s a disturbing reflection on how power can corrupt, even in heroic narratives. Think of it as a really uncomfortable power fantasy gone wrong.

Then there's the forbidden love angle. Oooh, so edgy! So dramatic! It adds conflict and intrigue, right? Except, it also adds a whole lot of ethical baggage. Because, you know, commitment and respecting other people’s relationships are kinda important.

Is she a prize to be won?

Here’s the big question: does the woman in question have any agency in this whole mess? Is she just a damsel in distress (again!) waiting to be "rescued" from her perfectly adequate husband? Or does she have her own desires, motivations, and a say in her own life? This is where the trope can either become incredibly problematic or (occasionally) somewhat interesting.

If she's just a passive reward, then yeah, it's awful. It perpetuates the idea that women are objects to be owned or won, rather than individuals with their own thoughts and feelings. Hard pass on that nonsense.

However, *sometimes* the story explores the woman's dissatisfaction with her current situation. Maybe she's in a loveless marriage. Maybe she's being oppressed in some way. In these cases, the hero's arrival acts as a catalyst for her to finally take control of her own life. But even then, it’s a tricky tightrope to walk, and it requires skillful writing to avoid reinforcing harmful stereotypes.

Let's be honest, it's mostly awkward

Let’s not sugarcoat it: most of the time, this trope just makes things super awkward. Imagine the dinner parties! "Oh, hey, Susan. Remember when your husband almost died fighting the dragon, and then I showed up and now I want to marry you? Pass the potatoes, please." Yikes.

It’s a scenario ripe for cringe-worthy moments and uncomfortable conversations. And let’s not even get started on the legal and social implications. Divorce laws in fantasy kingdoms are probably a real headache.

So, what's the takeaway?

Look, the "hero wants a married woman" trope is a sticky one. It can be problematic, uncomfortable, and often just plain weird. But by acknowledging the problematic aspects and thinking critically about why it exists, we can better understand the stories we consume and demand better representation in the future. Instead of a hero demanding someone else's spouse, how about a hero who champions equality, respects boundaries, and maybe, just maybe, finds love in a way that doesn't involve marital chaos?

Ultimately, let's strive for stories where everyone gets to be happy and fulfilled, without trampling on anyone else's happiness along the way. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go write a story about a dragon who just wants to open a bakery. Much less complicated, and far more delicious!