Through Merlyn, Arthur looks at the principle of equality and decides to create a Round Table as he mentions to him and Kay "Then we must have a round table, with no top" (White 265). This idea of a Round Table is said to " be an ocean of wood with a thin rim of humanity" (White 265). It is the aid from all these guides that greatly affects the characters and their journeys. With this consistent reappearing pattern of supernatural aid for the hero in literature, the reader can better understand the role of the characters' interaction with the hero. .
Another similarity is that both of these heroes go through an "initiation" where they each learn something about themselves. This phase of the Hero's Journey archetype occurs in literature so that the reader can get a deeper insight in learning about the hero and the series of events he undergoes. The phase of "initiation" is also known as "The Road of Trials" meaning that the to-be hero, in literature, takes various tests or ordeals before enduring his transformation as a hero. Odysseus faces many trials on his journey home and has multiple chances of proving his hero-like leadership qualities. These trials consist of the arrival of Odysseus and his crew at the Island of the Lotus-Eaters, his interaction with Polyphemus, the Cyclops, and the issues with his crew at the island of Ismarus, city of the Cicones. King Arthur, similarly, is taken through a series of tests, continuing to display the Hero's Journey archetype. He is challenged to remove Excalibur from the stone, battle in 3 fierce fights, and go through with the tests of Merlyn. The heroes are also taken through the phase of meeting a woman as a temptress. In The Odyssey, Odysseus meets a woman as a temptress, who although, protects him on her island, later forces Odysseus to stay with her. Calypso is seen as the temptress because she is one of the distractions from his quest of returning home.