Embracing Solitude with Horizon Zero Dawn
It’s Not Easy Being Alone
For as long as I can remember, I have always been an outcast. When I was diagnosed with Dyslexia at the age of seven, the road less travelled became more and more frequent for me. In Horizon Zero Dawn by Guerrilla games, the main protagonist Aloy was all too familiar with living a life on the fringe of society.
The story begins with Aloys surrogate Father Rost, pronounced (Roghst) who was given Aloy by the high priestess — To guard and watch over her.
It is evident as you watch the interaction between High matriarch Teersa (one of three Priestess, to the Nora tribe), and Rost, who had really taken to Aloy, but not all the priestess agree’d with his love and affection toward her.
Throughout her adolescence, Aloy is plagued by multiple situations where members of a tribe she does not belong to, shun her, or forbid others from communicating, and interacting with an outcast.
As I walked through this experience, it cast me back to my younger years in school. I still remember moments just like this in my own life.
I was shunned, and outcast for the colour of my skin, or due to my neurodiverse (Dyslexic) way of thinking, and viewing the world — Often expecting bullying or worse, and I have no doubt that there are many of you reading this who can also relate.
As Aloy matures, her focus had always been to join the proving, a rite of passage to become a BRAVE, and prove that she is worthy to be one of the tribe. During the process of running these BRAVE trails, Aloy and those competing with her are attacked by an enemy tribe called the Carja.
A wicked group of people, followers of the Sun, who make it their business to enslave machines, the Nora tribe, and others like them.
Like the old Carja, a lot of decision can be made out of greed or fear. These kinds of characteristics lead to the breaking down of individuals and ultimately communities. But despite all of this, Aloy persisted! Driven by the need to uncover the truth about her identity and the good in her heart.
Aloy did something many of us do, whether we are neurodivergent or not. Try to do everything on our own. I’ll be the first to put my hand up and tell you it doesn’t work. Without good advice, mentoring, and a support structure it’s impossible to grow. Everyone need’s a little help.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help, admitting we need help shows growth, humility, and progress. I used to be afraid to play games solo, too! Or start creative projects. But when you surround yourself with good people, then every impossibility becomes possible.
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Until next time, remember! That no matter what you are facing in life, that you can do all things 🙌🏾
