To Make a Hero by Randall Garrett
The story revolves around Leland Hale, a cunning and opportunistic criminal who lands on the isolated planet of Cardigan's Green after stealing an Interstellar Police ship. The planet, settled centuries ago, has a history of being ravaged by a deadly Plague, which has left the population with a deep-seated fear of the disease. Hale, seeking refuge and profit, discovers that the planet's inhabitants are isolated and have developed their own society, with Yon the Fisher as a prominent figure aiming for power. Yon dreams of repairing a crashed spaceship, the _Morris_, to gain interstellar travel and power. Meanwhile, a hospital ship, the _IHCS Caduceus_, is stranded on a nearby island, unable to leave due to the Plague and lack of a crucial diamond tuning crystal for their sub-radio. Hale, posing as a savior, exploits the situation by spreading a common cold virus, which the locals mistake for the Plague. He offers a "cure" using aspirin and vitamins, collecting valuable diamonds in return. Hale's manipulation extends to the _Caduceus_, where he convinces the crew that he has a vaccine for the Plague, securing more supplies. He eventually repairs the _Morris_ for Yon, but with a hidden agenda. Hale orchestrates a plan to destroy the _Morris_ with Yon aboard, ensuring the Plague doesn't spread and securing his fortune in diamonds. Hale's actions are misinterpreted as heroic, and he becomes a legend on Cardigan's Green, with a statue erected in his honor. The story highlights themes of deception, opportunism, and the manipulation of history and perception.
By Randall Garrett · First published 1966 · Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Heroic Fantasy · 6 chapters · 15,388 words
First lines
_Fraud? Larceny? Murder? All in a days work / to Leland Hale -- the savior of Cardigan's Green! _
"_One murder makes a villain; millions, a hero; numbers sanctify / the crime._" / -- _Porteus_
What this Textopian page supports
To Make a Hero is listed on Textopian as a novella by Randall Garrett, dated 1966 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novella
- Author: Randall Garrett
- Date: 1966 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fantasy, Adventure, Heroic Fantasy, Alternate History, Science Fiction
- Length: 15,388 words
- Structure: 6 chapters, 374 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for To Make a Hero by Randall Garrett
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Genres
- Fantasy — The story employs magical elements and mythic world-building that are central to traditional fantasy narratives.
- Adventure — The plot centers on quests and challenges typical of heroic journeys, making it a clear example of adventure storytelling.
- Heroic Fantasy — It focuses on the transformation of an individual into a legendary figure, a defining trait of heroic fantasy.
- Alternate History — The narrative reimagines historical settings and events, providing an alternative spin on familiar historical themes.
Tags
fantasy · alternate history · magic · heroism · adventure · quest · swordsmanship · chivalry · political intrigue · mystery · action · myth