Healer of the Water Monster

Over the course of the novel, Nathan looks for a hero, and he eventually discovers that hero within himself. At first, Nathan’s confidence is low, and he tries to run away from his problems. For example, he decides to spend the summer with Nali instead of telling his father that he doesn’t want Leandra to come to Las Vegas with them. Bullied by his peers, he perceives himself as “short and chubby” and judges his self-worth by these physical traits instead of his inner qualities (14). As a result, he hero-worships Uncle Jet, a tall and muscular Marine veteran who seems to embody the traits Nathan aspires to.

Over time, the cracks in his hero’s armor become clear as Nathan sees Jet struggle with addiction and his mental health. In exchange for the Holy Beings’ help with Jet’s Enemy Way Ceremony, Nathan agrees to journey to the Third World. Although Nathan’s efforts to heal his uncle are valiant, he still looks outside of himself for a hero. This time, he turns to Devin. The thought of facing Mother Water Monster terrifies the boy, so he tries to convince himself—and the Holy Beings—that the medicine man’s wisdom and knowledge make him better suited for the quest. In some ways, Nathan’s switch to seeing Devin as a hero represents progress because he is looking up to someone with a deep connection to his culture and evaluating heroism based on inner qualities rather than appearances. However, Nathan is still looking outside of himself for a hero rather than looking within.

Nathan gradually realizes that he is the hero that his uncle, Pond, and he himself need. Learning the water monster songs increases Nathan’s confidence and his understanding of his culture. This helps the protagonist confront the problems facing his family. For example, he stands up to the Ash Being and later saves his uncle’s life when the vengeful spirit threatens to drive Uncle Jet to total despair. Another vital moment in the theme’s development comes after Nathan voices his fears and tells the Holy Beings that Devin should take his place. Pond answers that he would never deliberately endanger his friend. Although Nathan is “still scared to [his] bones” (170), Pond’s words make him feel that he is “finally able to breathe” (169), and he accepts the call to adventure.

Young structures the novel’s plot to support the theme. He gives Nathan a classic Hero’s Journey, complete with trials and a reward. On his quest to the Third World, Nathan draws upon the qualities that Darkness saw when he tested the boy’s heart—“plentiful hope and kindness,” “intelligence, and a little bravery” (90). He compassionately spares the angler fish’s life, places his parents’ happiness above his own desires during the third obstacle, and uses his knowledge of science and magic to find clever solutions to his problems. Although the reward he receives at the end of the journey does not save Pond’s life, Nathan heroically holds onto hope and honors his late friend by teaching the water monster songs to Pond’s little sister. Like Nathan’s quest to the Third World, the discovery that he is a hero requires a long journey, and this makes his self-realization even more meaningful. Young offers his readers the encouraging message that they, too, can be heroes if they look within themselves.