22. Rescue: pursuit ends

Disciplines > Storytelling > Propp's Morphology of the Folk Tale > 22. Rescue: pursuit ends

Description | Discussion | See also

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Description

Symbol: Rs

The pursuit is terminated when something happens to rescue the hero. This can take many forms, from the re-emergence of the helper to obstacles being placed in the way of the pursuer (by the hero or friends), the hero may be concealed or even transformed into another form.

Example

In Star Wars, Luke and Han blow up the pursuing Tie fighters.

Discussion

Perhaps significant here is the reversal, where the rescuer is now rescued, reminding us of the hero's humanity and perhaps amplifying the heroism in having achieved the original goal.