“Why Do Heroes Always Have Theme Songs?"

"The chapter is called “Why Do Heroes Always Have Theme Songs?” And it’s true, they do. That was the rule in ancient times—the most famous lyric poet of the classical world, Pindar, specialized in songs for heroes—and it’s still true today. In fact, songs of heroes seem to outlast other kinds of music.
    "Just consider the defining literary works of antiquity—such 'Gilgamesh,' the 'Iliad,' the 'Odyssey,' the 'Aeneid,' and other towering works of this sort. They, too, are very much songs of heroes, and have survived for thousands of years.
    "Hollywood can’t match that long lineage. But in its own way, the movie themes of heroes are surprisingly durable.
    "Every screen hero has a theme song, and these possess remarkable staying power. The iconic theme song composed for superspy James Bond in his first film appearance in 1962 is still propelling the franchise forward more than sixty year later. The multibillion dollar 'Mission Impossible' franchise absolutely requires the incantatory appearance of the familiar 5/4 theme song launched with the original TV show back in 1966, which hasn’t lost its mojo despite a half-century of changing musical trends and tastes. Indiana Jones and Harry Potter enjoy endless reboots in movies, games, and TV shows—but the audience would refuse to accept these brand extensions without these heroes’ special songs.

"Strange as it may seem, the songs have actually proven more enduring than the actors, plots, directors, or settings in these films. This runs against everything we’re told about the music business, where an instrumental track from 1962 would have very little significance in any other sphere of pop culture. But when it comes to heroes, different rules apply. These larger-than-life figures need their special songs and—as in the traditional quest stories—the melodies that have proven their magic in the past are the most potent of all....

 "Hollywood stardom is fleeting, but heroes and their songs live forever."

~ Ted Gioia, from his post 'Why Do Heroes Always Have Theme Songs?'