12. Testing: Hero is challenged

Disciplines > Storytelling > Propp's Morphology of the Folk Tale > 12. Testing: Hero is challenged

Description | Discussion | See also

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Description

Symbol: D

Before the hero can receive help, they must first prove themselves worthy. This may be done by a series of events or mini-adventures within the story or may be a deliberate testing, typically by the donor or some other gatekeeper who will reward the hero either by giving them some magical artefact, critical information or otherwise helping the hero along the way.

The test may be to perform some act, answer a riddle or otherwise prove mettle. Whilst the surface test may be physical, the actual test is often of inner quality associated with heroes, including courage, integrity and humility.

Example

In Star Wars, Obi-Wan tells Luke about his father's light-saber.

Discussion

The testing of the hero provides opportunity for extension of the story, perhaps significantly, as the hero may be required to go off on another adventure, for example to retrieve something that the donor requires in return for the item needed by the hero.