The most popular science-fiction and fantasy adventurers often lead relatively intense and extraordinary lives, which is why we find them so compelling. But, saving the world from the forces of darkness does not come without risk. Not only do their pursuits jeopardise our heroes’ lives, it can also have an impact on the future of their dependants.
One of the most frequently asked questions regarding Life Insurance is “who needs it?”. You should have Life Insurance if anyone depends on you financially, like a spouse, children or ageing parents. But, there are some groups that need Life Insurance more than others, such as those whose everyday existence seem straight out of an action-adventure movie.
Since movie characters usually have a life lesson to learn from their journeys, Hippo.co.za asked film experts to explain why purchasing Life Insurance should have been one of them.
#1 Lara Croft – Tomb Raider (2001)
Contributed by Soul Adventures
Character bio
“Lara Croft is an 11th generation countess, now orphaned. She is reputably an accredited genius and Olympic-standard gymnast. Having studied Asian archaeology, she became an archaeologist/ adventurer. She has been credited with working at about fifteen archaeological sites of international significance.”
The journey
“In the 2001 movie, Lara is on a quest for the ‘Triangle of Light’ (an object of phenomenal destructive power that grants its wielder power over time and space). The object is needed by the Illuminati during the planetary alignment that culminates in a solar eclipse on Earth which happens every 5 000 years. This is a mission given to her by her late father to keep the power of the ‘Triangle of Light’ out of the Illuminati’s hands. Lara travels from Cambodia to Venice to Siberia to find the two halves of the triangle using sleigh dogs, boats, cars, parachutes and planes.”
The threats
“Lara has to fight the Illuminati, huge six-armed stone statues, temptation and her own demons (in terms of her memory of her father versus the truth) along the way.”
How Life Insurance would’ve helped
“Considering the level of danger involved, Life Insurance would benefit Lara Croft by ensuring her vast fortune was not wasted on death taxes. For example, the executor of her estate will require a fee on her assets, which can be up to 3%. Her estate will also be subjected to estate duty and capital gains tax (CGT) which is payable before inheritance is transferred to the beneficiaries. Life Insurance can be used to cover these costs.
“Lara’s legendary archaeological skills could be taught to other intrepid adventurers, perhaps by leaving a portion of her considerable Life Insurance pay out to a scholarship fund.”
#2 Frodo Baggins – The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (2001-2003)
Contributed by Fortress of Solitude
Character bio
“Frodo Baggins, a hobbit from the Shire, is most renowned for being the best friend of Samwise Gamgee and the Ring-bearer in J. R. R. Tolkien’s ‘The Lord of the Rings Trilogy’.”
The journey
“In order to save Middle-earth from the evil lord Sauron, Frodo is petitioned by Gandalf to take The One Ring to Mordor and cast it into the fires of Mount Doom. Beginning his journey on September 23, 3018 and travelling by foot, he sets off on a daunting trip across the vast landscapes of Middle-earth. He is joined by Samwise, Merry, Pippin, Aragorn, Gandalf, Boromir of Gondor, Legolas of the Woodland Realm, and Gimli of the Dwarves.”
The threats
“Frodo survived nearly 200 days of walking in Middle-earth’s most dangerous places and encountering the most dangerous people and creatures. Setting off from Bag End in Hobbiton, he was hunted by the Nazgûl while travelling to Bree, stabbed in the shoulder with a Morgul-blade in Weathertop, nearly drowned, constantly got lost, regularly defended himself and often narrowly escaped certain death. The wound he sustained from the Morgul-blade never fully healed and left Frodo unable to settle back into his life in the Shire.”
How Life Insurance would’ve helped
“Frodo would have benefitted greatly from Life Insurance. He would’ve had peace of mind that his loved ones, which include Bilbo and his cousins, once removed, Meriadoc Brandybuck (Merry) and Peregrin Took (Pippin) would be taken care of if he didn’t survive the dangerous quest.”
