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The Chosen One (trope)

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For other uses, see The Chosen One (disambiguation)

The Chosen One, also known as The One or The Chosen, is a narrative trope where one character, usually the protagonist, is framed as the inevitable hero or antihero of the story, as a result of destiny, unique gifts, and/or special lineage.[1][2][3][4] The trope is similar to the Hero's journey template, where the main difference is that The Chosen One usually doesn't have a choice because of destiny.[1] Chosen One narratives often incorporate Bildungsroman, following the growth of a character from childhood to adulthood.[5][6][7] The character's gifts, lineage or destiny are often unknown at the start of the plot or presented to the audience as dramatic irony.[8][9] The Chosen One trope is rooted in religion and mythology, and often appears in speculative fiction that uses elements of mythology.[10][11]

Genres

Fantasy

In fantasy, The Chosen One often has supernatural abilities and a related prophecy.

Examples:

Anime

In Anime, The Chosen One often has exceptional skills in martial arts, a unique ability to inspire others, child-like personality traits, and supernatural abilities.

Examples:

Science Fiction

In science fiction, The Chosen One often has unique technological and supernatural abilities.

Examples:

Religion

See also: Savior and Messiah

Religious figures are sometimes described as fitting into The Chosen One narrative because they are believed to be predestined or have a special connection to the spiritual realm.[12]

Examples:

Journalism

Journalism sometimes describes public figures as The Chosen One, often in reference to athletes.

Examples:

References

  1. ^ a b Stoebakk, Anita Olsen (2017-11-05). ""The Chosen One" In Genre Literature". The Nerd Daily. Retrieved 2022-08-29.
  2. ^ "Definition of CHOSEN". www.merriam-webster.com. Retrieved 2022-08-29.
  3. ^ "What does the Chosen One mean? - eNotes.com". eNotes. Retrieved 2022-08-29.
  4. ^ Bradford, K. Tempest (2008-07-23). ""The Chosen One" vs. The One Who Chooses". Fantasy Magazine. Retrieved 2022-08-29.
  5. ^ Chowdhury, Radhiah (2006-12-01). "A chosen sacrifice: the doomed destiny of the Child Messiah in late twentieth-century children's fantasy". Papers: Explorations into Children's Literature. 16 (2): 107–112.
  6. ^ Hoyle, K. B. (2021-11-09). ""Paul Atreides Must Die": Dune as Bildungsroman". Christ and Pop Culture. Retrieved 2022-08-29.
  7. ^ Writer, Staff. "Book review | 'Cursed Child': Like series, Harry Potter script is a page-turner". The Columbus Dispatch. Retrieved 2022-08-29.
  8. ^ Rowling, J. K. (2015-12-08). Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. Pottermore Publishing. ISBN 978-1-78110-048-6.
  9. ^ Tolkien, J. R. R. (2012-02-15). The Fellowship Of The Ring: Being the First Part of The Lord of the Rings. HarperCollins. ISBN 978-0-547-95201-7.
  10. ^ "What does the Chosen One mean? - eNotes.com". eNotes. Retrieved 2022-08-29.
  11. ^ Pool, Katy Rose (2019-09-09). "Are You The One? Exploring The Chosen One Trope in SFF". Tor.com. Retrieved 2022-08-29.
  12. ^ "Chosen One Definition and Meaning - Bible Dictionary". biblestudytools.com. Retrieved 2022-08-29.
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