By J.H. “Inspire” Tucker, Purpose Development Professor

Some films entertain us.

Others teach us.

And a rare few mirror life itself so clearly that their lessons stay with us forever.

The NeverEnding Story is one of those rare films.

Beneath the fantasy, creatures, and mythical landscapes lies a profound metaphor about what every boy and every man must face on the journey toward purpose. The movie’s trials are not just scenes—they are symbols of the challenges, temptations, and internal battles that shape our character and determine our destiny.

Below are three powerful tests from the film and what they teach us about life, manhood, and purpose development.

1. The Swamp of Sadness: When Depression Attempts to Pull You Under

In the film, Atreyu faces the Swamp of Sadness, a place where the more hopeless you become, the deeper you sink. It is a perfect metaphor for real life.

Every man encounters seasons that feel heavy:

• Failure
• Confusion
• Loss
• Loneliness
• Uncertainty
• Pressure

And the truth is simple:

The sadder you get, the deeper you sink.

Stopping the motion kills the dream.**

In life, when hardship comes, you have two choices:

• Let the weight consume you
• Or keep moving until you reach solid ground

Depression doesn’t just stop your progress—

It drains your purpose.

It steals your momentum.

It blinds you to opportunities that were right in front of you.

The Swamp of Sadness reminds us:

Movement is medicine. Motion keeps the dream alive.

2. The Gate of Courage: Confronting Doubt and Fear

The second test is the Oracle Gate—two massive statues that judge the courage of anyone who approaches.

Nothing physical attacks Atreyu.

There is no monster, no enemy chasing him.

The only thing he must face… is his own courage.

This is another truth for men:

Our biggest barriers are not outside of us—

They are inside our minds.**

We second-guess ourselves.

We freeze.

We overthink.

We talk ourselves out of opportunities.

We sabotage our own progress.

We make impulsive decisions when fear takes over.

And all the while, we already have everything we need to pass the test.

Often, if we simply keep walking—despite fear, despite doubt—we discover that we were stronger than the challenge all along.

The Oracle teaches:

Sometimes courage is nothing more than taking the next step.

3. The Mirror Test: Facing Your True Self

The third and most dangerous test is the Magic Mirror Gate, where Atreyu must face his true self.

Not the version he shows the world.

Not the version he wishes he was.

But the real version.

It’s a challenge every man must face:

You are who you truly are when no one is watching.

For some:

• Brave men discover they are actually fragile
• Noble men see pride and insecurity
• Strong men realize they are hiding behind false identities

And for others:

• Men who feel weak discover hidden courage
• Men who feel broken uncover unshakable strength
• Men who feel alone find their deeper calling

Self-honesty is the gateway to transformation.

You cannot master what you refuse to confront.

The Mirror Gate reminds us:

Facing your true self is the path to mastery and purpose.

Bringing the Lesson Into Real Life

This is the type of simple film clip I use when teaching young men, classrooms, or mentoring groups. Because behind the fantasy, the movie speaks directly to real life:

• Sadness and depression can stop your motion.
• Fear and self-doubt can block your purpose.
• Dishonesty with yourself can destroy your identity.

These three trials—sadness, courage, and self-reflection—are woven into every stage of manhood.

And for anyone walking toward their purpose, the message is clear:

Your life’s journey is an adventure filled with tests.

How you respond will determine the man you become.

If this message resonated with you, I’d love to invite you to the next step.

I’m hosting a small group film-based purpose session where we will watch The NeverEnding Story together and unpack the lessons hidden inside—

lessons on courage, identity, discipline, and overcoming the challenges every young man faces.

This is a powerful opportunity for:

• Parents
• Educators
• Coaches
• Mentors
• Young men navigating life
• Anyone searching for direction or purpose

If you’re interested in joining or want to learn more, book a call with me so we can see if this experience is the right fit for you or your group.

Let’s build purpose together—one circle at a time. https://calendar.app.google/BWM1roZV1W8FACCQ8

Here is the movie