The reign of these world heroes is often foretold or ordained by the gods or the seers, as is true for King Arthur and Jesus. They often have lineages linking them to the gods, or to past heroic kings. Some mature very early, like Arthur, the Buddha, Herakles, and the Babylonian Gilgamesh, who was part god.

Many have their lives threatened from birth. The threat may come from kings, monsters, or jealous relatives as in the case of Jesus, Kutoyis, and Herakles. Often, they are hidden and raised by people other than their families. Moses is hidden in a basket, until rescued. Herakles is left in the wild, until Hera, Queen of the Gods, is fooled into suckling him, guaranteeing him immortality. Some have supernatural protection, like Arthur, who was protected by Merlin.

Some heroes have a following of fellow heroes who rally around them, serve them, and protect them like the Irish Finn MacCool's Fianna (from whom modern Irish patriots derive the name Fenian). Other examples include Arthur's knights and Jesus' Apostles.

			Arthur's Round Table at Winchester, made for a tournament in 1290.