Joseph Campbell’s theories on mythology and the Hero’s Journey connect mythology to our everyday lived realities. In this module, you learned that all myths follow the arc of the Hero’s Journey and that the Hero’s Journey is as influenced by real-life experiences as it is the inspiration for future human creation.
Instructions: Think of a time in your life in which you have participated in the path of the Hero’s Journey. You could have been any of the main characters—the hero or a figure supporting the hero.
Use a free online application (Canva, Piktochart, etc.) to create an infographic that includes an explanation of the following:
· Each of the ten steps of the Hero’s Journey as it relates to your situation
· Which role you played
· What the call to adventure was
· How the journey unfolded during each of the ten steps
Your infographic should be saved as a PDF document or other instructor approved option submission.
Resources
· What is an infographic and how do I create one?
Connecting Mythology to Our Everyday Lived Realities: The Hero’s Journey and Joseph Campbell’s Theories
Joseph Campbell’s theories on mythology and the Hero’s Journey have profoundly impacted our understanding of storytelling and its connection to our daily lives. In this module, we delve into the notion that all myths inherently follow the arc of the Hero’s Journey, which is not only a source of inspiration for human creation but also profoundly influenced by real-life experiences.
The Hero’s Journey:
The Hero’s Journey, as conceptualized by Joseph Campbell, is a narrative structure present in myths and stories across cultures and times. It comprises ten essential steps that a hero typically undergoes on their transformative quest.
Ordinary World:
The first step of the Hero’s Journey is the “Ordinary World.” It represents the hero’s initial state, where life seems normal and mundane. Here, the hero is unaware of the adventure that awaits.
Call to Adventure:
The “Call to Adventure” is the pivotal moment when the hero is presented with a challenge or opportunity that disrupts their ordinary life. This call may come from an external source, an internal desire, or a combination of both.
Refusal of the Call:
In this phase, the hero may initially resist the call due to fear, self-doubt, or a reluctance to leave their comfort zone. They may hesitate to accept the challenge, seeking refuge in the familiar.
Meeting the Mentor:
To overcome their doubts, the hero encounters a mentor or guide who provides wisdom, encouragement, and essential tools for the journey ahead.
Crossing the Threshold:
The hero finally decides to embark on the adventure, crossing the threshold that separates their ordinary world from the unknown realm of challenges and trials.
Tests, Allies, and Enemies:
During the journey, the hero faces various tests, meets allies who aid them, and confronts enemies or obstacles that attempt to impede their progress.
Approach to the Inmost Cave:
The hero draws closer to the heart of their journey, the inmost cave, which symbolizes their deepest fears and greatest challenges.
Ordeal:
The ordeal is the hero’s most significant challenge, a life-or-death moment that pushes them to their limits and forces them to confront their weaknesses.
Reward (Seizing the Sword):
After successfully overcoming the ordeal, the hero reaps the rewards, such as new knowledge, insight, or a powerful artifact (the “Seizing of the Sword”).
Return with the Elixir:
In the final phase, the hero returns to their ordinary world, forever changed by their experiences, and brings back the elixir—a boon or gift that benefits their community.
Personal Experience: My Hero’s Journey
In my personal life, I participated in the Hero’s Journey as a supporting figure for a close friend who assumed the role of the hero. The call to adventure for my friend arose when they were faced with an enticing job opportunity in a foreign country.
As the mentor, my role was instrumental in helping them make this life-altering decision. I provided guidance and shared my own experiences of stepping out of the ordinary world and seizing opportunities. My encouragement and counsel eventually helped my friend cross the threshold, leaving their familiar surroundings behind and embracing the unknown.
Throughout the journey, I continued to offer support and acted as an ally, providing Helpance during challenging moments. The hero faced various tests, both personal and professional, which they had to overcome to achieve their goals. As they approached the inmost cave, I reinforced their resolve and helped them face their deepest fears.
During the ordeal, my friend confronted significant challenges and self-doubt. However, their determination prevailed, and they emerged stronger and wiser. As a reward, they secured the desired job position, gaining valuable experience and knowledge.
Finally, the hero returned with the elixir—the profound personal growth and the gift of diverse experiences. Their triumphant return not only impacted their life but also inspired those around them to pursue their own heroic journeys.
Conclusion:
Joseph Campbell’s theories on mythology and the Hero’s Journey provide a timeless framework for understanding the transformative nature of human experiences. By recognizing the Hero’s Journey in our own lives, we can appreciate the depth of our personal growth and better understand the journeys of others around us.
References:
Campbell, J. (2016). The Hero with a Thousand Faces. New World Library.
Vogler, C. (2017). The Writer’s Journey: Mythic Structure for Writers. Michael Wiese Productions.
McDowell, J. (2019). Joseph Campbell and the Power of Myth. University of North Carolina Press.
Jung, C. G. (2016). Man and His Symbols. Dell.
