The Myth of the Trickster

Paper Summary:

In world mythology, tricksters make the world what it is. They draw outside the lines, think outside the box, are powerful, mischievous and often happy, despite the reversals their unorthodox behavior causes. The best of them transcend being tricksters and become bona fide mythic heroes. This paper compares the lives and achievements of two tricksters-turned-heroes, Ireland's first great king, Brian Boru who was killed in battle in 1014 and N.Y.C.'s mayor during the 911 tragedy, Rudolph Giuliani. The paper explores how these men made the transition from trickster to hero and how they ensured their myths would endure.

From the Paper:

"For Boru, it was his death. His martyrdom by a disgruntled and treacherous vanquished enemy ensured his fame for generations.
Giuliani did not have to die. In fact, he surmounted prostrate cancer, although it derailed his quest for the Senate, giving the position to Hilary Rodham Clinton instead. But then there was the World Trade Center disaster on September 11, 2001. Giuliani's leadership after that horrific attack on his city took him forever out of Trickster in the popular mind to hero."

More papers on The Myth of the Trickster:

• Analytical Essay # 62853 : "The Ragnarok and "Volpone"
• Comparison Essay # 13532 : "Tricksters in Myth & Folklore"
• Essay # 35020 : "Literature and Culture"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: