The Forgotten Beasts of Eld is a young adult novel with many characters that have the qualities of what Campbell presents to us (from Sharon Black's Essay) who the real hero is. With the direction of Campbell giving us the cycle of the childhood hero are we can decipher who the real hero is in this novel.
Campbell explains the “child of destiny” begins in obscurity, often in a situation of extreme danger or degradation." I would not say that Sybil is in extreme danger in the beginning of the novel, but being around all of the beasts can be dangerous. The supreme danger that is present around her is her power and that there are so many who want to have it to use for their own gain.
Another one of Campbell's characteristics of the childhood hero is when they are taken to a school and learns they have extraordinary abilities. Sybil's school where she learns her abilities could be just at home with her father. Her homeschooling can be considered the place where she hones her abilities and becomes stronger.
The assistance of a guide or a helper, sometimes an animal, or old woman, is another aspect in the makeup of a childhood hero. Maegla fits the description of an old woman and is also a guide to Sybil because she helps her with Tamlorn. She also gives Sybil advice, even when it seems she does not want it, proving that she is in the position to guide Sybil through life.
Given Campbell's characteristics of the childhood hero it is easy to see that Sybil is the "hero" of The Forgotten Beasts of Eld.
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