Raglan's hero list

2006-02-13T15:07:00.000-08:00

Here is Lord Raglan's list of hero characteristics I was telling you about this morning. Try it out with any hero...SUperman, Spiderman, Joan of Arc, Heracles, Theseus, Jesus, Buddha, etc.

Lord Raglan's list (from The Hero, 1956)

1. The hero's mother is a royal virgin

2. his father is a king and

3. often a near relative of his mother, but

4. the circumstances of his conception are unusual, and

5. he is also reputed to be the son of a god.

6. At birth an attempt is made, usually by his father or his maternal grandfather, to kill him, but

7. He is spirited away, and

8. Reared by foster-parents in a far country.

9. We are told nothing of his childhood, but

10. On reaching manhood he returns or goes to his future kingdom.

11. After a victory over the king and/or a giant, dragon, or wild beast,

12. He parries a princess, often the daughter of his predecessor, and

13. Becomes king.

14. For a time he reigns uneventfully, and

15. Prescribes laws, but

16. Later he loses favor with the gods and/or his subjects, and

17. Is driven from the throne and city, after which

18. He meets with a mysterious death,

19. Often at the top of a hill.

20. His children, if any, do not succeed him.

21. His body is not buried, but nevertheless

22. He has one or more holy sepulchres.

January 13, 2006 Reflections on "The Birthmark"

2006-01-13T13:16:00.000-08:00

I am still thinking about our discussion today and the issue of "perfection."

Judith's Reflections

Raglan's hero list

January 13, 2006 Reflections on "The Birthmark"