Heroic Patterns Essay

Almost all stories about heroes, involve the heroic pattern which begins with the birth, includes a destiny, follows the hero through a dangerous quest, where often romance is found, and ends with the journey home. This classic pattern has the ability to engage interest in a reader. Just as the heroic patterns template exhibits, a hero must undertake an arduous quest to prove his status, such as Perseus, who retains Medusa's head, and I too am currently battling the quest in my life. Perseus is born against his father's will because of Zeus's desire, for his beautiful mother. After Perseus's father "heard the infant's wailing" he let them drift out to sea but luckily they end up at the court of Polydectes. Polydectes falls in love with Danae, but he fears Perseus so he pretends to love another woman. Out of joy Perseus ambitiously notes that he can conquer Medusa and bring her head as proof. As a result Hermes and Athena "gave Perseus gifts to aid him in his quest" as he travels to the far west. He finds the 'Gray Ones' who then direct him toward the Gorgons. Armed, Perseus is able to decapitate the deadly Gorgon in her sleep without encountering her stare. He bags the head, and has completed his quest excluding the journey home where he finds a brewing romance.

Currently, I am also conquering the quest of my life to reach the height of my destiny. Though my quest may not include stealthy enemies, dangerous locations, and frightful kings, I still have to overcome various challenging obstacles to find my fate. Instead, I am jousting bad grades, completing overwhelming hours of homework, and spending late nights to achieve athletic goals. Every day, I ensure that I have done quality work whether I am calculating the value of radians or sweating through my pores trying to do a toe touch. Some days, I would much rather sleep or relax by watching some television but I know that to complete my quest I need to struggle my way around the ups and downs of life. All the while I try to squeeze in time with my friends and satisfy my parents. One day I will be able to attend a noteworthy college and be proud of my successful job as a surgeon and a family of my own. One day I will have defeated my quest. Much like Perseus in his heroic feats, I am in the quest of my life to grow up into a woman who is proud of her journeys in life.

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