Hero-Quest Myth / Epic
The classical story of the hero-quest myth has also been referred to as the “monomyth,” which is
summarized as follows:
The standard path of the mythological adventure of the hero is a magnification of the formula
represented in the rites of passage: separation-initiation-return, which might be named the nuclear unit of
the monomyth.
A hero ventures forth from the world of common day into a region of supernatural wonder:
fabulous forces are there encountered and a decisive victory is won. The hero comes back from this
mysterious adventure with the power to bestow boons on his fellow man.
The basic pattern of the mythic quest may be set out as follows:
1. Mysterious birth. The hero is usually born of mysterious parents, or in a remarkable fashion.
2. Orphaned. The hero is early deprived of, kept from, or unaware of his natural inheritance, without
which he will not be able to take his rightful place in society on entering adulthood.
3. Secluded education. The hero is often protected, nurtured, and educated in obscurity by foster
parents during his infancy and youth.
4. Perilous journey (exile and quest). At the threshold of maturity, the hero must set about regaining
his lost or usurped inheritance, going through the following set of adventures:
a. He goes on a long and dangerous journey far away from the place of his birth;
b. On the journey he meets with several enemies, both natural and supernatural (wicked men,
beasts, giants, witches, monsters);
c. On the journey he gets help from some guide or friendly teacher, again either natural or
supernatural;
d. He also receives help from various “weapons,” some physical (like clubs, swords, his own
great physical strength), some personal (his own endurance, courage, wit, etc.), and some
supernatural (magical powers bestowed by divine helpers).
5. Crucial battle. At the climax of the story, the hero engages in a critical battle with his most
powerful opponent (often a monster or giant), whom he conquers by a combination of strength,
courage, and imaginative skill. Often the crucial battle takes place in a setting that is threatening
and associated with sterility or winter.
6. Return. After the battle, the hero can return home, where he is welcomed as the true inheritor of
his stolen birthright. Sometimes, on his return, he also rescues others from bondage to a tyrant
who has been persecuting them (his family, a beleaguered maiden, or even a whole society).
Behind all of the quest myths there seems to be a story of the universal quest of all men for their lost, true
inheritance. The story of the Golden Age, for example, describes the nature of the original birthright of
the whole human race. There are various reasons, according to mythology, why man lost that original
happy state: either because of the intrusion of time into his life; or because of the jealousy and anger of
the gods; or because of his own folly, curiosity, or ignorance. Man is launched on his perilous journey to
regain what he once had but has lost, guided by only a dim memory, kept alive in his imagination.
Ms. Richmond
English 221
Hero-Quest Myth / Epic Writing Assignment
Connection to Arthurian Legend:
King Arthur is a legendary hero. As you have read in class, Arthur’s hero-quest (or epic)
began when he was just a boy named “Wart”. He and his knights later went on a quest to find the
Holy Grail, the cup from which Jesus Christ drank at the Last Supper. The sheet on the heroquest explains this type of story and outlines the basic pattern of the mythic quest. All of the
Arthurian Legends we have read over the past three weeks in some way address the hero-quest
myth. In addition, the epic “Morte d’Arthur” that we will read in a few days brings to an end
Arthur’s hero-quest. This writing assignment will assess what you have learned during the
Arthurian Legend unit by asking you to apply that knowledge to a new situation.
Directions:
In this essay you will write your own original hero-quest myth / epic. Be as creative as
you can be, choosing a hero and the quest he/she undertakes. The main character/hero should be
obvious, even if there are other characters in your story. Don’t forget to give your hero a name!
Provide rich detail and employ the literary devices and techniques you have learned in class.
Your hero-quest may take place in any time period you choose. Stay away from unnecessary,
gratuitous violence; remember that your main character is a hero and would fight only his
enemy.
A REMINDER: Your story should be your own and not closely resemble
movies, television or video games. Plagiarism is not acceptable and will result
in a zero on the assignment and consequences from the Director of Studies.
Specifications:
1. Use as many of the six characteristics of the mythic quest (see #1-6 on the reverse side of
this page) as you can. Your grade will reflect the completeness of this usage.
2. You will receive or lose points based upon your writing style and grammar. Be sure to
refer to past essays to determine the mistakes you make repeatedly. Prewrite and have
someone proofread/edit your essay.
3. This essay should be at least four, typed, doubled-spaced pages. All expectations in “A
Guide to Critical Writing” must be met. Be sure to use correct quotation format for the
dialogue in your story.
4. Prewriting will be due ____________
5. The first draft will be due ___________