What best describes the Refusal of Call in Theseus's journey?

• A. He denies hearing the call
• B. His father does not want him to go because he fears sacrificing his only son
• C. He fears the Minotaur will win
• D. He is banished from Athens

Answer: (B)

The Refusal of the Call shows the hero resisting the urge to start the adventure, often because someone important or the safety of loved ones weighs on them. In Theseus’s story, his father’s objection captures that pull to stay home and protect him: the king doesn’t want to send his son away because he fears sacrificing his only child. This hesitation from a trusted guardian blocks the step into danger, illustrating how the call can be met with resistance from those who care about the hero. The other options miss this dynamic: denying hearing the call would be a direct self-block, fearing the Minotaur would be the danger of the quest itself, and banishment has no bearing on the moment of resisting the call.