23. Arrival: Hero arrives unrecognized

Disciplines > Storytelling > Propp's Morphology of the Folk Tale > 23. Arrival: Hero arrives unrecognized

Description | Discussion | See also

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Description

Symbol: O

Unrecognized, the hero arrives back in their home territory, or perhaps in other country along the way.

The lack of recognition may be a deliberate ploy by the hero who, having achieved so much, no longer seeks (and perhaps shuns) adulation.

There may also be reason for secrecy as threat may still exist and the mission may not be fully complete until the treasure is handed over.

Example

In Star Wars, Luke arrives on Yavin 4.

Discussion

The stage of arrival might be anticipated as one of a triumphant homecoming and the anticlimax of unrecognized arrival adds further tension and extends the story. There is a tension here also between the 'safety' of home and a possible continued danger.