Simon is part of the action hero tradition that goes back to medieval romances. Like an Arthurian knight, he follows a quest, vanquishes evil, and emerges victoriously. In fact, there is an early reference in the novel to his Cornish/Arthurian blood which explains his affinity for magic, and he enters the world through an Arthurian gate. Like Lancelot, Gawain and Parsifal, he rights wrongs, is compassionate with the weak, and meets demons and villains. Being an archetype, his character can be found in almost every adventure novel, from Joseph Conrad to Rudyard Kipling. A striking modern use appears in the Star Wars movies of George Lucas. Luke Skywalker is an excellent example of the pure young champion who fights the demonic technical monsters of the Empire.