Editing Quest (section)

{{Short description|Plot device in mythology and fiction}}
{{About|significance-laden journeys}}
[[Image:Theodor Kittelsen, Soria Moria.jpg|right|thumb|[[Soria Moria Castle|''Soria Moria'']] by [[Theodor Kittelsen]]: a hero glimpses the end of his quest.]]
{{Speculative fiction sidebar|cTopic=Fantasy fiction}}

A '''quest''' is a journey toward a specific mission or a goal. It serves as a [[Plot (narrative)|plot]] device in [[mythology]] and [[fiction]]: a difficult [[Travel|journey]] towards a goal, often [[symbol]]ic or [[Allegory|allegorical]]. Tales of quests figure prominently in the [[folklore]] of every nation<ref>Josepha Sherman, ''Once upon a Galaxy'' p 142 {{ISBN|0-87483-387-6}}</ref> and [[Ethnic group|ethnic culture]]. In [[literature]], the object of a quest requires great exertion on the part of the [[hero]], who must overcome many obstacles, typically including much travel. The aspect of travel allows the storyteller to showcase exotic locations and cultures (an objective of the narrative, not of the character).<ref>Michael O. Riley, Oz and Beyond: The Fantasy World of L. Frank Baum, p 178-9, {{ISBN|0-7006-0832-X}}</ref> The object of a quest may also have [[supernatural]] properties, often leading the protagonist into other worlds and dimensions. The [[moral]] of a quest tale often centers on the changed [[Moral character|character]] of the hero.