During my youth, my family was always trying to deep dive into any book, comic or movie we saw; to analyse how can we extract something valuable from them.
Now as a father, and with some years already in our brotherhood, I would like to d the same with the current movies and comics that our kids have access to.
One popular series of movies are the Dream Works Shrek franchise, from that franchise we recently saw the movie “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish” which is an animated adventure film that follows the character Puss in Boots.
The story centres on Puss discovering that he has used up eight of his nine lives, leaving him with just one life left. In a quest to restore his nine lives, Puss sets out on an epic journey to find the mythical Last Wish.
Along the way, he teams up with old friends and faces new foes, all while learning valuable lessons about friendship, bravery, and living life to the fullest. The film combines humour, action, and heartwarming moments.
IMAGE CREDIT: the square magazine digital collection
However, one the interactions I could notice the most is Puss and the Wolf character. The wolf, known as the Big Bad Wolf or Death, is a menacing and enigmatic figure.
He is depicted as a bounty hunter with a chilling presence, distinguished by his eerie whistling and red eyes. The wolf is relentless in his pursuit of Puss in Boots, serving as a symbolic representation of death.
Throughout the film, he is a constant reminder of Puss’s mortality and the limited time he has left, adding a darker and more serious tone to the story.
His character contrasts sharply with the typically light-hearted and adventurous spirit of the film, making him a memorable and formidable antagonist.
The Wolf, as a representation of Death, brings the abstract concept of mortality into a tangible form. His presence in the story serves as a reminder of the universal human condition, the inevitability of death.
Philosophically, this aligns with existentialist thought, particularly with thinkers like Martin Heidegger and his concept of “Being-toward-death.” Heidegger argues that an authentic life is lived with an acute awareness of one’s mortality, which the Wolf embodies.
He is a constant reminder to Puss that life is finite, prompting a re-evaluation of how one lives. The Wolf induces a profound existential angst in Puss, reflecting the deep, often paralyzing fear of death that existentialists like Søren Kierkegaard and Jean-Paul Sartre discuss.
Kierkegaard refers to this as the “dizziness of freedom,” where the realization of our mortality and the absolute freedom to shape our lives creates anxiety. The Wolf’s pursuit symbolizes this inescapable anxiety.
Puss’s journey thus becomes an exploration of how one copes with the fear of the end, leading to personal growth and deeper existential understanding.
Freemasonry places significant emphasis on the awareness of mortality. This is symbolized in Masonic rituals, particularly in the contemplation of death to inspire a virtuous and meaningful life.
The Wolf, as a personification of death, echoes the Masonic concept of reflecting on one’s mortality to live a life of integrity and purpose.
This aligns with the Masonic teaching that an awareness of death should motivate Masons to make the most of their lives and contribute positively to society.
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The Wolf serves as a “memento mori,” a reminder of death that urges individuals to live more ethically and authentically. This concept, rooted in Stoic philosophy, encourages embracing mortality to live a life of virtue and intentionality.
The Wolf’s presence prompts Puss to reflect on his past and reconsider his future actions, driving him toward a more ethical and meaningful way of living. This reflection is central to the Stoic idea of living in accordance with nature and focusing on what truly matters.
“Memento Mori,” or the reminder of death, has a central theme in Freemasonry. Symbols like the skull and crossbones, often used in Masonic rituals, serve to remind members of their mortality.
The Wolf’s presence as a constant reminder to Puss to confront and accept his limited lifespan resonates with this Masonic practice. It emphasizes the importance of living a life of virtue, service, and introspection, as every Mason is encouraged to do.
In many philosophical and psychological frameworks, the confrontation with death or a death-like figure is transformative. Carl Jung’s concept of the shadow involves facing the darker, hidden parts of oneself to achieve wholeness.
The Wolf, as a manifestation of Puss’s deepest fears and ultimate end, acts as this shadow. Puss’s journey through fear and confrontation with the Wolf leads to his individuation, where he integrates his understanding of mortality into a more complete and self-aware identity.
Freemasonry is deeply rooted in the idea of self-improvement and personal transformation. The journey of a Mason involves moving from darkness to light, symbolizing the pursuit of knowledge, moral integrity, and personal growth.
Puss’s confrontation with the Wolf and the subsequent transformation mirrors this journey. The Wolf’s role as a catalyst for Puss’s introspection and self-betterment aligns with the Masonic quest for enlightenment and self-improvement through facing and overcoming personal challenges.
IMAGE CREDIT: the square magazine digital collection
We use symbolic death and rebirth as part of its initiation rituals, particularly in the Master Mason degree. This symbolizes the death of the old self and the rebirth into a new, enlightened state of being.
Puss’s journey, under the shadow of the Wolf, can be seen as a symbolic death and rebirth. By facing the Wolf, Puss undergoes a profound transformation, emerging with a renewed understanding of life’s value and his purpose.
This mirrors the Masonic belief in the transformative power of introspection and moral rectitude. It teaches its members to lead ethical lives, emphasizing virtues such as honesty, integrity, and charity.
The Wolf’s influence on Puss pushes him to reflect on his past actions and strive to live a more ethical and meaningful life. This is akin to the Masonic principle that an understanding of one’s mortality should lead to a commitment to virtuous living and contributing to the well-being of others.
On the other hand, Puss’s journey, while initially solitary in confronting the Wolf, eventually involves his interactions with friends and allies who support his quest.
This reflects the Masonic belief in the importance of fraternity, where members support each other in their personal and moral development.
The communal aspect of Puss’s transformation highlights the value of mutual support and collective growth, central to Masonic philosophy.
I would like to close my thoughts with a practical approach pointing the main themes can be conceptualized for contemporary living:
The first is the Mortality Awareness and Meaningful Living. Modern life is often filled with distractions and a relentless pursuit of material success.
The Wolf’s reminder of mortality encourages us to pause and reflect on our lives’ meaning and purpose. This awareness can lead to prioritizing relationships, personal growth, and meaningful experiences over superficial achievements.
We can Incorporate mindfulness and meditation to become more aware of the present moment and the finite nature of life.
Regularly evaluate life goals and priorities to ensure they align with deeper values and aspirations and keep a journal to acknowledge and appreciate the positive aspects of life, fostering a sense of fulfilment and purpose.
Then, for Facing Fears and Personal Growth. Fear of failure, change, or the unknown often holds people back.
The Wolf symbolizes these fears, and Puss’s journey teaches the importance of confronting and overcoming them for personal growth. We should Embrace Challenges, view challenges and setbacks as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles.
Then, establish goals that push beyond comfort zones to foster development and resilience and engage with mentors, coaches, or support groups to gain perspective and encouragement in facing fears.
IMAGE CREDIT: the square magazine digital collection
Not to forget “Memento Mori” and Ethical Living. The concept of “memento mori” can inspire ethical living and moral integrity. Understanding that life is temporary encourages acting with kindness, integrity, and responsibility.
Practice Values-Based Decisions, make decisions that reflect core values and ethical principles rather than short-term gains.
Engage in community service and charitable activities to contribute positively to society and consider the legacy one wishes to leave behind and live in a way that contributes to that vision.
Continuous self-improvement and personal transformation are essential for a fulfilling life. Puss’s transformation through facing the Wolf can inspire a commitment to lifelong learning and self-betterment.
We should pursue educational opportunities, whether formal or informal, to keep growing intellectually and professionally.
Regularly engage in self-reflection to identify areas for improvement and track personal progress and invest in physical and mental health through regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and stress management techniques.
The Brotherhood and Community and important values, Freemasonry emphasizes the value of brotherhood and mutual support.
In modern life, building strong, supportive relationships and communities is crucial for personal and collective well-being.
We could participate in community groups, clubs, or organizations that foster connection and shared goals, build and maintain a network of supportive friends, family, and professional contacts, seek and offer mentorship to share knowledge, support growth, and strengthen community bonds.
And of course, the Ethical Living and Virtue. Living ethically and virtuously, as emphasized by both the Wolf’s reminder and Masonic principles, is fundamental to a fulfilling and respected life.
We need to ensure consistency between values and actions in personal and professional life. Engage in civic duties, such as voting and participating in local governance, to contribute to the greater good and adopt sustainable practices to respect and preserve the environment for future generations.
Based in all the previous discussed we could conclude that the philosophical themes embodied by the Wolf character in “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish” resonate deeply with Masonic teachings.
The awareness of mortality, the transformative journey of confronting one’s fears, the pursuit of ethical living, and the value of brotherhood are all integral to both the narrative and Freemasonry philosophy.
By drawing these parallels, one can appreciate how the film’s exploration of mortality and self-discovery aligns with the age-old principles of Freemasonry, emphasizing the importance of introspection, virtue, and the continuous quest for personal and moral improvement.
By applying the philosophical insights derived from the Wolf character and Freemasonry principles, individuals can lead more mindful, ethical, and meaningful lives.
These concepts encourage a deeper awareness of mortality, the courage to face fears, a commitment to continuous improvement, and the cultivation of supportive communities.
Integrating these practices into modern life can enhance personal fulfilment, ethical behaviour, and societal well-being, echoing the timeless wisdom of both the narrative and Freemasonry philosophy.
IMAGE CREDIT: the square magazine digital collection
Poem from unknown author:
A Journey Through Shadows
In shadows deep, where whispers flow, A wolf, relentless, marks the row. With eyes that pierce the soul’s facade, He calls us forth from comfort’s shroud.
Mortality, the silent guide, Reminds us of the fleeting tide. Each moment’s breath, a precious gift, Through life’s vast seas, our spirits drift.
Fear not the wolf’s unyielding chase, For in his gaze, true life we face. Embrace the fear, let courage bloom, Through darkest night, light shall resume.
Remember, life is but a span, So live with purpose, noble plan. In virtues’ glow, let actions speak, With every step, true wisdom seek.
Transform, like Puss, from brave to wise, In every fall, new heights arise. From death’s embrace, rebirth is found, In life’s full circle, we are bound.
Seek brotherhood in heart and hand, In unity, together stand. For in the bonds of shared pursuit, Our strength is found, our roots take root.
Ethical paths, we tread with care, In every deed, let love be there. Legacy, our lasting mark, A beacon bright in future’s dark.
So heed the call of memento mori, Live fully, write your story. For in the dance with death’s embrace, We find our truest, noblest grace.
This poem captures the essence of reflecting on mortality, embracing fear for personal growth, living ethically, and valuing community—an apt reflection of the themes discussed.
Article by: Chacón-Lozsán Francisco
Chacón became a freemasonry in 2014 at the Renacimiento (Rebirth) Lodge Nr 222.
Then for three years he learned the mysteries of the first degree there in the Orient of Barquisimeto - Venezuela before traveling to the capital (Caracas) where he was received to continue my freemasonry journey at the Lodges Libertad Española (Spanish Liberty) Nr 101 and Lautaro Nr 197, in 2017.
Because of the political situation in Venezuela, Chacón migrated to Budapest-Hungary, here the Brothers received him with open arms and he could continue his works in the Lodge Nyugati Kapu (West gate) Nr 10 and earned his Third degree in 2023.
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