“It’s one thing to think that you’re the center of the universe—it’s another thing entirely to have this confirmed by an ancient prophecy”
—Douglas Adams
What is the Chosen One?
The Chosen One archetype is a trope used in writing where a single character is in charge of saving the world or society they live in. This trope is commonly seen in the Hero’s Journey, but can also be found in other types of stories. The Chosen One comes from humble or tragic beginnings, and they are put into an impossible situation that rests the world on their shoulders. They inevitably becomes the hero of the story because without them the story cannot be propelled forward.
The Chosen One is often relatable to the audience in some aspect. For example, Katniss Everdeen, from the Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins, became the Chosen One because she volunteered to enter the Hunger Games to save her sister from certain death. This small action inspired her district, and had a ripple effect on other districts. In the games, Katniss’s actions, which resemble honor and justice, cause uprisings throughout the districts. Katniss then becomes the face of a revolution.
This not a new trope; it has existed for centuries, and can be seen in Mythology and religious texts. Jesus Christ is the Chosen One of the Bible. The Greek heroes are the Chosen Ones of their myths. While it’s not new, it thrives in modern literature. Famous Chosen One characters include Harry Potter, Beatrice Prior, Percy Jackson, and every Superhero. While this trope is popular in children’s and young adult literature, it is also seen in adult fiction. In Tolstoy’s War and Peace, Pierre Bezukhov believes that he is meant to be the savior of humanity.
Fatal Flaws and the Chosen One:
All Chosen Ones have a fatal flaw, also known as a hamartia. While many fatal flaws are psychological, one of the most famous fatal flaws is the Greek hero Achilles. His heel was the only vulnerable point on his body. In a modern Greek mythology story, Percy Jackson’s fatal flaw is excessive personal loyalty.
Psychological fatal flaws make the Chosen One vulnerable in a way that drives the story through their tests and challenges. Katniss Everdeen’s fatal flaw is her compulsion to protect the people she cares about, putting them above her own wellbeing. This drove her story, starting with putting herself in a life or death situation to protect her sister.
Why is the Chosen One trope Popular?
This trope has been popular for centuries because it gives inspiration and hope to audiences. It shows that any person, no matter their background, can change the world. The actions of the Chosen One draws on the pathos, or emotions, of an audience.
The fatal flaws humanize the Chosen One. Giving these characters a weakness allows the audience to imagine themselves in the Chosen One’s shoes. This empowers readers and allows them to feel good about situations in their real lives.
Jesus Christ sacrificing himself for society’s sins makes him the savior of the storyline, but it also inspires readers to create a better society, free of sin. This trope gives power to readers because it shows anybody that they are capable of amazing things.
This trope shows that anybody is capable of greatness, even the most unlikely of person. Percy Jackson saves the world several times, and overcomes the words of others through his actions. He remains selfless, honest, and pursues justice through each quest. In each book, the audience experiences Percy Jackson save the world against all odds. Each Chosen One projects hope, honesty, and justice. While this is admirable, readers want to be more like their favorite heroes, and thus the Chosen One trope is as powerful as it is exciting to read.
You said “This trope has been popular for centuries because it gives inspiration and hope to audiences. It shows that any person, no matter their background, can change the world.” and I must vehemently disagree. The chosen one trope teaches us that ONLY the ONE IMPORTANT PERSON can affect change in the world, and the rest of us shound’t even bother. If there’s no prophecy about you, you’re unimportant to the world. IMO this is why people blame the US POTUS for *everything* wrong with the world – because we promote this simplistic view that one person alone has ultimate impact, and nobody else matters. This is why I hate the chosen one trope so much. Also Katniss Everdeen is not a Chosen One. She herself chooses to involve herself in the story – no prophecy. She’s a true example of how we can all make choices that affect the world we live in, no prophecy or Chosen One title required.