A great deal of folklore circulates among doctoral students who are looking for information on how to successful negotiate the dissertation process. One bit of common wisdom focuses on the role of the advior. This fable captures a belief that it is the advisor’s position of power within the academy that makes a difference. We think it is important to both acknowledge and challenge this bit of folk lore. The advisor should play a key role, but not as a power player, but as a wise guide who can challenge doctoral candidates to complete a meritorious study and support them through the learning that this entails.