The Hero's Journey
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A The Hero's Journey is a narrative template that involves a hero character who goes on an adventure, and in a decisive crisis wins a victory, and then comes home transformed character.
- Context:
- It can (typically) be structured into three acts: Departure, Initiation, and Return.
- It can (typically) include stages such as: The Call to Adventure, Refusal of the Call, Meeting with the Mentor, Crossing the First Threshold, Trials and Tribulations, Apotheosis, and The Ultimate Boon.
- It can (often) be used as a framework for storytelling and mythology across various cultures.
- It can (often) be found in Literature, Film, Video Games, and other forms of Media.
- It can (typically) serve as a metaphor for personal growth and transformation.
- It can be interpreted in various ways, including psychological, mythological, and literary analysis perspectives.
- It can be a useful tool in Character Development and Plot Structure in Creative Writing.
- ...
- Example(s):
- The Odyssey by Homer, depicting Odysseus' journey.
- Star Wars (1977), with Luke Skywalker's journey.
- Harry Potter Series, following Harry Potter's journey.
- The Matrix (1999), featuring Neo's journey.
- The Lord of the Rings, with Frodo Baggins' journey.
- …
- Counter-Example(s):
- A Slice of Life Story, which typically lacks the structured journey or transformation of the hero.
- A Non-Narrative Documentary, which doesn't follow a fictional hero's journey.
- …
- See: Joseph Campbell, Monomyth, Storytelling, Narrative Structure, Character Arc, Folklore Studies, The Hero's Journey, Comparative Mythology.
References
1949
- (Campbell, 1949) ⇒ Joseph Campbell. (1949). The Hero with a Thousand Faces. Princeton University Press.
- NOTE: It explores the concept of the monomyth, a universal pattern found in narratives from various cultures and times. It outlines the typical journey of a hero which includes stages such as departure, initiation, and return. Campbell argues that this pattern underlies and shapes myths, stories, and legends, reflecting common human experiences and aspirations. The Hero with a Thousand Faces has had a significant impact on writers, filmmakers, and artists, providing a structural framework for narrative development.