During the early stages of the journey, the hero will often receive aid from a protective figure. This supernatural helper can take a wide variety of forms, such as a wizard, and old man, a dwarf, a crone, or a fairy godmother. The helper commonly gives the hero a protective amulet or weapon for the journey.

• Sunjata's mother, Sogolon, fears for his life and recommends that they go into exile in order to protect the family. Manding-Bory, Sunjata's half-brother and best friend, accompanies them. 

• O-usu receives a woman's robe and skirt from his aunt Yamato-hime, an important Shinto

priestess, and with a saber hidden in his clothing, he departs. 

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