Bridges and Mirrors: An Examination of How Empathy Is Illustrated through the Elements of Quest Stories

Stories are a gift. From generation to generation, in different cultures, through wars, festivals, pandemics, across dinner tables, and over a vast expanse of other connection points, stories have been a way for human beings to connect and empathize with each other and themselves. Quest stories specifically have been a mirror and bridge of life through the call to step out of the ordinary into courage, facing trials with bravery, and being challenged to practice empathy through the path that we walk. Through quest stories, readers learn to be aware of the moments on their journey that they are not alone. Through the character within a story, the reader has the opportunity to peer into a mirror and experience empathy personally through resonance, and the chance to cross a bridge by allowing insight into character motivation and intention to invite the reader into relating to characters in stories, akin to the challenge of relating to others in real life.