King Arthur: A Beloved Hero
King Arthur: A Beloved Hero
Heroes to fairytales, stories, or novels serve as the literary ‘cherry on top’ of an enticing plot. The word “hero” comes from the Greek “heroes” literally meaning “protector” or “defender”. The story of a small character that later develops into a strong-willed hero doing the greater good for society is what warms the hearts of many readers, and the journey itself keeps those readers attracted. One could say heroes practice the philosophy of utilitarianism, doing the greatest good for the greatest amount of people. At the end of the fairytale, story, or novel, the hero sweeps in to save those in danger, uphold moral eminence, and even teach and inspire others. In T.H. White’s The Once and Future King (1965), King Arthur rightfully portrays the role of the hero, who is defined by his journey to becoming King, overcoming obstacles with the help of his mentor Merlyn, and persevering in times of despair. Throughout the novel, Arthur is the protagonist, who in the first book is known as ‘the Wart’ playing a slightly timid young boy who later becomes King of England after being tutored by his mentor Merlyn. Merlyn truly teaches Arthur many life lessons that he later better understands during his time as King. According to Chris Vogler in The Writer’s Journey, “Mentors provide heroes with motivation, inspiration, guidance, training, and gifts for the journey.” Merlyn serves as Arthur’s mentor throughout the novel, but especially at the beginning. Arthur and Merlyn’s relationship evolves throughout the novel as Arthur begins to shape into his role as king. Arthur initially wants to make war and seek glory, but Merlyn makes Arthur see, however, that such goals are costly, most often for those who have the least say in them. Merlyn constantly serves as Arthur’s guidance to always doing what is right and reminds Arthur of the lessons he learned during his childhood. As King, Arthur’s motives
Heroes to fairytales, stories, or novels serve as the literary ‘cherry on top’ of an enticing plot. The word “hero” comes from the Greek “heroes” literally meaning “protector” or “defender”. The story of a small character that later develops into a strong-willed hero doing the greater good for society is what warms the hearts of many readers, and the journey itself keeps those readers attracted. One could say heroes practice the philosophy of utilitarianism, doing the greatest good for the greatest amount of people. At the end of the fairytale, story, or novel, the hero sweeps in to save those in danger, uphold moral eminence, and even teach and inspire others. In T.H. White’s The Once and Future King (1965), King Arthur rightfully portrays the role of the hero, who is defined by his journey to becoming King, overcoming obstacles with the help of his mentor Merlyn, and persevering in times of despair. Throughout the novel, Arthur is the protagonist, who in the first book is known as ‘the Wart’ playing a slightly timid young boy who later becomes King of England after being tutored by his mentor Merlyn. Merlyn truly teaches Arthur many life lessons that he later better understands during his time as King. According to Chris Vogler in The Writer’s Journey, “Mentors provide heroes with motivation, inspiration, guidance, training, and gifts for the journey.” Merlyn serves as Arthur’s mentor throughout the novel, but especially at the beginning. Arthur and Merlyn’s relationship evolves throughout the novel as Arthur begins to shape into his role as king. Arthur initially wants to make war and seek glory, but Merlyn makes Arthur see, however, that such goals are costly, most often for those who have the least say in them. Merlyn constantly serves as Arthur’s guidance to always doing what is right and reminds Arthur of the lessons he learned during his childhood. As King, Arthur’s motives