Empowerment and Aspiration in Stellar Blade: A Beacon of ‘Mens Sana in Corpore Sano’

R.A. Sterling
3 min readApr 5, 2024

In the realm of video games, the portrayal of protagonists often transcends mere entertainment, embedding itself into the fabric of cultural ideals and personal aspirations. Shift Up’s game, Stellar Blade, presents a protagonist who embodies the Latin aphorism “Mens Sana in Corpore Sano” — a sound mind in a sound body. This character is not only a testament to the game’s artistic vision but also serves as an empowering figure for players of all genders.

https://www.playstation.com/en-ie/games/stellar-blade/

The protagonist of Stellar Blade is a paragon of empowerment. Her beauty is undeniable, yet it is her health, confidence, and agility that truly define her strength. These attributes resonate with the ancient wisdom that advocates for a balanced life, where physical prowess and mental fortitude are in harmony. In a society that often presents conflicting messages about beauty and strength, Stellar Blade’s protagonist stands as a beacon of self-acceptance and empowerment.

For women, in particular, she is a symbol of empowerment because she embraces her femininity without compromising her strength. In a medium where female characters have historically been relegated to the sidelines or objectified, Stellar Blade breaks the mold by offering a character who is both formidable and unapologetically feminine. She does not conform to the stereotypical roles prescribed by society; instead, she charts her own course, demonstrating that femininity and power are not mutually exclusive.

Moreover, the protagonist’s agility and confidence in her abilities serve as a reminder of what we should all strive for. In the pursuit of “Mens Sana in Corpore Sano,” she exemplifies the ideal balance between mind and body. Her journey through the game’s challenges is a metaphor for personal growth, encouraging players to cultivate their own strengths and embrace their unique qualities.

Stellar Blade offers more than just a gaming experience; it provides a narrative that inspires and empowers. Its protagonist is a testament to the beauty of a balanced life, where physical health and mental acuity are celebrated in equal measure. By embodying the principle of “Mens Sana in Corpore Sano,” she encourages players to strive for personal excellence and to embrace their individuality with confidence.

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While Stellar Blade presents a refreshing take on femininity and empowerment, it hasn’t been immune to criticism from certain quarters. Unfortunately, some slacktivists and virtue-signaling journalists have taken aim at the game, misguidedly labeling it as perpetuating harmful beauty standards. In their misguided crusade against what they perceive as societal pressures, they fail to acknowledge that beauty and empowerment are not mutually exclusive. In fact, for many women, beauty is an integral part of their self-expression and confidence. By unfairly targeting Stellar Blade, these critics undermine the very empowerment they claim to champion. In reality, their actions can be seen as regressive and even misogynistic, as they seek to dictate how women should portray themselves in media and entertainment. It’s crucial to recognize that empowerment comes in many forms, and for some, embracing beauty is a celebration of their identity, not a limitation.

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R.A. Sterling
R.A. Sterling

Written by R.A. Sterling

My name is Rhodes Ansel Sterling, author name R.A. Sterling. Themes: space colonization, the environment, and women’s rights. amazon.com/author/rasterling

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