Joseph Campbell was a fascinating figure in mythology and literature. His concept, the Hero's Journey, explores the common patterns in hero stories from all over the world. Let's dive into this concept and see how it can relate to books, movies, and our own lives.
What is the Hero's Journey?
The Hero's Journey is a narrative framework identified by Campbell in his book The Hero with a Thousand Faces. He suggested that many stories follow a similar structure, signifying a hero's transformation. This model has been influential in crafting modern storytelling, from films to novels.
The Stages of the Hero's Journey
Campbell outlined a series of stages that heroes typically go through. Let's break down these stages in a simple way.
Departure
The Call to Adventure
The call to adventure is that moment in someone's life when they get a hint that things are about to shift dramatically, even if they aren't fully aware of it yet. Think Luke Skywalker seeing Leia's message in R2-D2.
Refusal of the Call
Sometimes when the call comes, the future hero turns it down. This could be due to feeling a sense of duty or obligation, being scared, feeling insecure, thinking they're not good enough, or a bunch of other reasons that keep them stuck in their current situation.
Supernatural Aid
When the hero decides to take on the quest, whether they realize it or not, their guide and magical helper shows up or makes themselves known. This might be the Gandalf type, there to give the hero some useful tools that will help them along the way.
The Crossing of the First Threshold
At this moment, the individual steps into the world of adventure, stepping away from the familiar boundaries of their life and diving into an unfamiliar and risky territory where the rules and limits are a mystery.
The Belly of the Whale
The belly of the whale symbolizes the hero's ultimate break from their familiar world and identity. While it’s often seen as the lowest point, it’s really more about being in that in-between space, transitioning from one world and self to another. This moment marks the separation from the old life and self, and hints at the possibilities of a new existence. The experiences that will help shape this new identity are just around the corner, often starting with something dark, mysterious, and a bit scary. By stepping into this phase, the individual is showing they're ready for a transformation, letting go of their old self.
Initiation
The Road of Trials
The road of trials is basically a bunch of challenges or tough situations that someone has to face to kick off their transformation. It's pretty common for people to stumble on one or more of these challenges, and they usually come in sets of three.
The Meeting with the Goddess
The encounter with the goddess marks a pivotal moment in the journey where the individual feels a profound love akin to the all-encompassing, unconditional love that a lucky baby receives from their mother. This moment is often referred to as the "hieros gamos," or sacred marriage, symbolizing the merging of opposites, and it can happen entirely within oneself. Essentially, the person starts to view themselves in a more unified way, moving beyond duality. This is a crucial milestone in the journey, often depicted as the individual discovering their deepest love for another. While Campbell illustrates this stage as a meeting with a goddess, it's important to note that unconditional love or self-unification doesn't have to be represented by a female figure.
Woman as the Temptress
This part is all about the temptations that might cause the hero to veer off course from their mission. Just like the Meeting with the Goddess, it doesn’t have to involve a woman specifically. For Campbell, though, it highlights the discomfort that a typically male hero might experience regarding his own physical nature, which he often projects onto women. In this context, women symbolize the earthly temptations of life, as heroes often find themselves distracted by lust while trying to pursue their spiritual paths.
Atonement with the Father
In this stage, the individual needs to face and be transformed by whatever has the greatest influence in their life. Often in myths and tales, this figure is a father or a father-like character who wields life-and-death authority. This moment is the crux of the journey. Everything that has happened before has led to this point, and everything that comes after will stem from it. While this encounter is usually depicted as a meeting with a male figure, it can also be a powerful female or even a non-human entity. For real change to occur, the person must undergo a sort of "death" of their old self, allowing a new identity to emerge. Sometimes this transformation is literal, marking the end of that character's earthly journey or shifting them into a different existence.
Apotheosis
To apotheosize means to elevate someone to a divine status. When a person experiences physical death or lets go of their ego to embrace a spiritual existence, they transcend the dualities of life and enter a realm of divine wisdom, love, compassion, and joy. It's like reaching a god-like state; they find themselves in a heavenly place, free from all struggles. On a simpler note, you could see this phase as a time of relaxation, tranquillity, and satisfaction before the hero starts their journey back.
The Ultimate Boon
The ultimate reward is reaching the goal of the quest. It's what the traveller set out to find. All the earlier stages are meant to get the person ready and refine them for this moment, as in many myths, the reward is something extraordinary, like the elixir of life, a plant that grants immortality, or the holy grail.
Return
Refusal of the Return
Why, after everything's been accomplished, the ambrosia's been sipped, and we've had our chats with the gods, would we return to everyday life with all its worries and troubles?
The Magic Flight
Sometimes, the hero has to make a getaway with the treasure, especially if it's something the gods have been fiercely protecting. The return trip can be just as thrilling and risky as the adventure itself.
Rescue from Without
Sometimes, just like a hero needs help to start their adventure, they also need strong allies to help them find their way back to normal life, especially if they've been hurt or drained by what they've been through. There might even be times when they don’t see that it’s time to come back, that they can come back, or that others are waiting for what they have to offer.
The Crossing of the Return Threshold
Returning is all about holding onto the lessons learned during your journey, blending that knowledge into everyday life, and then finding a way to pass it on to others. It can be really tough to do, though.
Master of the Two Worlds
In myths, this stage often features a larger-than-life hero like Jesus or Buddha. For a more relatable human hero, it’s about finding harmony between the physical and spiritual realms. This person has learned to navigate both their inner thoughts and the outside world with ease.
Freedom to Live
Mastery brings a sense of liberation from the fear of death, allowing us the freedom to truly live. This is often described as being present, without worrying about what’s ahead or dwelling on what’s behind.
Why is The Hero's Journey Important?
Understanding the Hero's Journey gives us insight into narratives that resonate across cultures and times. It reflects fundamental human experiences. Campbell's model can be seen in stories like Star Wars, The Lion King, or even in modern films like Wish or Spider-Man - Far From Home.
Real-Life Applications
The Hero's Journey isn’t just for fiction. It can mirror our personal experiences. Think of challenges you've faced in school or friendships; you're stepping into your own hero's journey!
Key Takeaways
Joseph Campbell's Hero's Journey captures the essence of hero narratives worldwide.
The stages include the Departure, Initiation, and the Return, representing transformative life experiences.
This framework is deeply embedded in many beloved stories and includes vital life lessons.
Interesting Facts
Campbell studied myths and legends from various cultures for over 30 years.
Many creators use his model when planning their stories. Movie directors often refer back to this framework for impactful storytelling.
Final Thoughts
Joseph Campbell's Hero's Journey helps us visualize stories we love and underline the challenges and growth we encounter in our own lives. By recognizing these patterns, we not only appreciate stories on a deeper level but can learn from them too.
References:
The Hero with a Thousand Faces by Joseph Campbell
"The Hero’s Journey: The Power of Myth" - Literary Encyclopaedia
Take note that every writer has a journey, too. You are shaping your narrative each day! Embrace your path and remember, you can be your own hero.
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