The quest for something unattainable or illusory, frequently involving wasted time and effort following false leads, is often represented in literature. A narrative centered on such a pursuit depicts characters embarking on a journey based on unreliable information or misdirection. This type of story can be seen in works where the protagonists are led on a series of fruitless errands with no ultimate reward.
The value of these narratives lies in their ability to explore themes of futility, deception, and the human condition. Such tales may offer insights into the nature of hope, the dangers of blindly following authority, and the importance of critical thinking. Historically, the idiom originated from a form of horse race where one horse followed another in a seemingly erratic pattern, mirroring the unpredictable nature of the pursuit it describes.