The Hero's Journey according to Joseph Campbell - video by Matthew Winkler and Kirill Yeretsky

Summary

The script explores the concept of the 'Hero's Journey' as introduced by Joseph Campbell, a universal narrative pattern found in myths and modern stories like Harry Potter, The Hunger Games, and Lord of the Rings. It outlines the 12 stages of this journey, from the hero's ordinary world to their transformation and return, emphasizing how these tales resonate across cultures and time.

Takeaways

• 🌐 Joseph Campbell's book 'The Hero with a Thousand Faces' explores the concept of the monomyth or hero's journey, a common narrative structure found in myths from around the world.
• 🚀 The hero's journey is a cycle that starts and ends in the hero's ordinary world but involves a quest through a special, unfamiliar world.
• 📜 Key events in the hero's journey include the status quo, call to adventure, assistance, departure, trials, approach, crisis, treasure, result, return, new life, and resolution.
• 💌 The 'call to adventure' is a pivotal moment where the hero receives a mysterious message, invitation, or challenge that sets the story in motion.
• 🧙‍♂️ 'Assistance' refers to the help the hero receives, often from a wiser, older character, to prepare for the journey ahead.
• 🚪 'Departure' is the point at which the hero leaves their safe, normal world and enters the realm of adventure.
• 🐉 'Trials' involve the hero overcoming obstacles, such as solving riddles or battling monsters.
• 🔥 The 'crisis' is the darkest moment for the hero, often involving a confrontation with death or a near-death experience.
• 💎 'Treasure' symbolizes the reward or recognition the hero gains as a result of their journey.
• 🏆 'Return' marks the hero's journey back to their ordinary world, often with a transformed perspective or status.
• 🔄 'Resolution' ties up loose ends in the story and shows how the hero's journey has led to a new status quo.
• 🎥 The script uses 'The Hunger Games' as an example to illustrate how modern stories can follow the ancient hero's journey template.

Q & A

Who is Joseph Campbell and what is his contribution to understanding hero narratives?

Joseph Campbell was a mythologist who studied myths from around the world. His contribution is the concept of the 'monomyth' or 'hero's journey', which he detailed in his book 'The Hero with a Thousand Faces'. He retold numerous stories to show how they represent a similar pattern or journey of the hero.

What is the hero's journey and how is it typically structured?

The hero's journey is a narrative pattern identified by Joseph Campbell, consisting of a cycle that begins and ends in the hero's ordinary world but includes a quest through a special, unfamiliar world. It involves key events such as the call to adventure, assistance, departure, trials, approach, crisis, treasure, result, return, new life, and resolution.

What is the significance of the 'call to adventure' in the hero's journey?

The 'call to adventure' is the first step in the hero's journey where the hero receives a mysterious message, invitation, or challenge that disrupts the status quo and sets the story in motion.

How does the hero typically receive assistance on their journey?

The hero often receives assistance from a mentor or guide, someone older or wiser, who provides them with the knowledge or tools needed to face the challenges ahead.

What is meant by the 'departure' stage in the hero's journey?

The 'departure' stage is when the hero physically leaves their normal, safe environment and crosses the threshold into a special world filled with adventure and challenges.

What challenges does the hero face during the 'trials' phase?

During the 'trials' phase, the hero faces various obstacles such as solving riddles, slaying monsters, or escaping from traps, which test their courage, intelligence, and skills.

What is the climax of the hero's journey known as?

The climax of the hero's journey is known as the 'crisis' or 'approach' phase, where the hero faces their greatest challenge or deepest fear, often leading to a moment of death and rebirth.

What does the hero gain as a result of overcoming the crisis?

As a result of overcoming the crisis, the hero gains a 'treasure', which can be a special recognition, power, or object that symbolizes their victory and growth.

How does the 'result' phase differ from story to story in the hero's journey?

The 'result' phase can vary between stories. It often involves the hero's triumph over the antagonist or their escape from the special world, leading to a resolution of the story's conflicts.

What is the significance of the 'return' phase in the hero's journey?

The 'return' phase is when the hero returns to their ordinary world, often with a transformed perspective or a new understanding of themselves and their place in the world.

How does the hero's journey end?

The hero's journey ends with the 'resolution' phase, where all plotlines are resolved, and the hero's life is changed, often leading to a new status quo that is an upgraded version of their previous life.

Can you provide an example of how 'The Hunger Games' fits the hero's journey template?

In 'The Hunger Games', Katniss Everdeen hears the 'call to adventure' when her sister's name is called in the lottery. She receives 'assistance' from Haymitch, and 'departs' from her ordinary world as she gets on a train to the Capitol, fitting the hero's journey template.