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What journey does the hero take in The Palm-Wine Drinkard?

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Athol Fugard sits in the center with John Kani on the left and Winston Ntshona on the right; all three are seated closely together outdoors. — African literature South African dramatist Athol Fugard sitting between actors John Kani (left) and Winston Ntshona, 1973.

In Amos Tutuola's novel The Palm-Wine Drinkard, the protagonist is a young man who initially spends his days idly drinking palm wine. His journey is a classic quest tale that begins when he sets out to find his deceased palm-wine tapster.12

Throughout this episodic odyssey, the hero traverses a surreal landscape, confronting death and overcoming numerous perils. As he navigates these challenges, he gains wisdom and experiences a transformation that moves him beyond his former life of laziness. The narrative, which draws heavily upon Yoruba oral tradition, is often compared to the structure of The Pilgrim’s Progress, reflecting a journey of both physical endurance and personal growth.12