Chat Between Chapters: Chosen One

For this discussion post, we are joining the Fantasy With Friends discussion with Pages Unbound.

This week’s prompt: “The Chosen One” is an often-mocked trope in fantasy literature. Do you frequently run across this trope in the books you read, or has it been a while since you encountered it? Do you dislike it, or do you think it can be done well? Are there any interesting twists on the Chosen One you’ve seen?

 

 

 Julie:

The chosen one trope can feel really overplayed because why is it that one specific person is the one to save the world? It does seem to happen often, but I will say I haven’t come across it as often recently. I do really like it when it’s not one specific person but a combination of traits that makes this person fit the bill. I like ancient prophesies that are debatable whether someone is the one or not, and their actions make them so.

Example, I love the Slayer-verse where there is a chosen one each generation, but many potentials waiting to be called. The next chosen one Slayer is just the next girl on the list. I also like when someone makes themselves the chosen hero/ine by their actions and not by birth. Like Katniss Everdeen becoming the symbol of the rebellion only because of her protective personality over her sister and volunteering in her place.

The reluctant chosen one is also an interesting trope because what if your situation and circumstance forced you into a situation where maybe you were the only one able to help for (there better be good) reasons, but you didn’t select this path. And then you rise to the challenge and become the hero everyone needs. That’s a fun trope.

So I guess I’m saying the chosen one needs a reason, a purpose, and an explanation of why this person is the right fit for the situation.

 

Lynn:

There for a while, it seemed like every book I read had a chosen one. Probably in my dystopia phase. But now, I’m not really reading a lot of those books.

One interesting twist, though, is the Simon Snow series. It’s set in the what happens AFTER the chosen one saves the world. And let’s just say that Simon does not have an easy time of it. Which kind of makes sense. None of those other chosen one books ever tells you what happens afterward.

I love that chosen one meme with the not another teenage chosen one. That is definitely my vibe. Kind of over the 19 year old main characters.

 

What about you?

 

 

We are also linking up our discussion posts with the 2026 Book Blog Discussion Challenge hosted by Shannon @ It Starts at Midnight!

Subscribe to Chapter Break posts.