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Similarities Of A Hero And The Hero's Journey

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A Comparison of Heroes’ Journeys

The hero’s journey is a requirement for being a hero. This means that everyone must overcome some form of struggle (mental or physical) in order to become a hero, like Bilbo Baggins or King Arthur. The journeys of this hobbit and orphan are primarily external which caused them to have many similarities and differences in their tests, allies, and enemies; their supreme ordeals; and their returns and reputations.

The many difficult tests that heroes face are what shape them; their allies being the ones who help them with their challenges; and their enemies, the ones who play a part in their obstacles. All of these components fit together to make the second stage of the hero’s journey. In the cases of Bilbo Baggins and King Arthur, most of their similarities are found in this segment of their adventures. Furthermore, their tests mainly consisted of external, near-death experiences. For example, Bilbo had to battle against giant spiders in the forest of Mirkwood (Tolkien, 180). In comparison, King Arthur had a numerous amount of physical tests as well. For instance, there were six kings who led their armies to overthrow King Arthur since they refused to be ruled by a juvenile. “But the six kings, though sorely routed, prepared for a new war, and joining to themselves five others swore together that, whether for weal or woe, they would keep steadfast alliance till they had destroyed King Arthur.” (Knowles, “Chapter II.”) Part of the second
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