In "The Last Unicorn" by Peter S. Beagle, the character Lir expresses his belief that a hero deserves a joyful conclusion to their journey. He asserts that it is his right to achieve this happiness after enduring struggles. However, Schmendrick challenges this notion, suggesting that the story is not concluding for Lir or the unicorn, indicating that their adventures and destinies are still unfolding.

This exchange highlights the theme of ongoing struggle and the complexity of heroism. It emphasizes that the path of a hero is filled with challenges, and that the quest for fulfillment is continuous, rather than a simple resolution, suggesting that true endings are often more nuanced and involve further growth or evolution.