The Star Wars spin-off series, The Mandalorian, depicts a nomadic and heroic people, garbed from head to foot in finely crafted armor. In the early episodes we learn that young Mandalorians undergo a years-long rite of passage that entails the painstaking acquisition of their armor, piece by piece—through a series of adventures. The gradual collection of armor—from the helmet to the chest plate to shin protectors—symbolizes not just a warrior’s readiness for battle but also the intricate development of identity and purpose. Each shimmering piece represents both protection and an amalgamation of experiences and lessons learned, and gives each Mandalorian their trademark resourcefulness and self-assuredness.
The Mandalorian armor as depicted on the screen is a beautifully rendered metaphor for the “character armor” concept spoken of by German anthropologist and philosopher, Ernest Becker. In Becker’s view, all individuals engage in their own form of character armor collection—an allegorical representation rooted deeply in the childhood experiences of victories and traumas. Success in academic, and athletic, and other endeavors may build the armor of self-confidence, while the trauma of bullying or a challenging family situation can build the armor of resilience.
In Becker’s view this character armor can never be shed. He posits that without a clear understanding and integration of past experiences, individuals may find themselves adrift or disillusioned, unable to secure purpose. As described in YOUR LIFEPATH, I believe the culmination of character armor collection occurs during the adventure stage of life, a formative period that for many new adults sets the stage for choosing a mission—or what Becker called an “immortality project.”
The journey of collecting these armors is fundamental to shaping identity and purpose. As new adults transition to the mission stage of their lives, the fully assembled armor allows them to approach their missions with confidence, as they embody the lessons learned from their prior victories and defeats. This synergy equips them with the tools needed to navigate the complexities of their life missions and achieve continuous fulfillment.
