The birth stage, which consists of the hero's birth in some way being connected or associated with God or gods, can be seen in every culture's literature. The connection of a birth associated with the gods or God in Indian culture is in the story of "Mahu-Maya and Budda." In this story, Queen Mahu-Maya has a dream, where she is carried to the Himalaya Mountains by four guardian angels (Leeming25). There, she is accompanied by the Future Budda, who impregnates her in the form of a white elephant. Later, when the dream is shared, a Brahman prophesizes that in the womb of Mahu-Maya is a baby, who will be a universal monarch, or Budda. This retelling confirms the dream and actua

The final stage of the hero is death and victory. In each of the following stories, this stage is accomplished by the hero shedding his old life for a new one. For Budda, this stage is seen through his death that is the result of a prepared offering of pork. His death provides for his victory, which comes through achieving Nirvana, or perfect atonement. Hercules' death occurs in conjunction with his cutting down a tree for a casket, which he has his friend Philocetes set on fire. Hercules victory is completed when he sheds off his old body and attains a stronger one and enters heaven. For Moses this stage occurs when his soul leaves his body. His victory occurs when he enters Heaven as a servant of the Lord. Big Boy's friend's death changes his childish ways to accepting the more mature responsibility. His victory comes by being able to survive and to accept the responsibility of manhood.

Big Boy's initiation is seen in his exchange of his childhood for his manhood. He is separated from his parents when he flees town to hide in a railroad kiln. His transformation comes through realizing the seriousness of the possible consequences for killing a white man. He is further transformed when he sees his friend Bobo lynched (Wright 165). His initiation is finally completed by his being reunited with his Will as he flees North.

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