Hero's Journey Flashards

These are questions taken directly from the Hero's Journey Study Guide.

What is the Monomyth?

The Monomyth, or Hero's Journey, is a narrative structure that outlines a hero's adventure, encompassing stages like the call to adventure, trials, and eventual return home, as established by Joseph Campbell.

Why do we study Hero’s Journey?

Studying the Hero's Journey helps us understand universal themes and archetypes in storytelling, revealing how narratives resonate across different cultures and time periods.

What are Joseph Campbell’s ideas about personal growth?

We all have the opportunities for personal growth through the experiences that we face. 

What are the four stages of Hero’s Journey?

Pre-Separation, Separation, Initiation and Return

How does the Separation stage begin?

A Call to Adventure

What are the possible reasons for accepting the call?

Believes that something has been taken, that there is something lacking, that they must restore honor, or wants to win rights back to people.

What is the role of the Protective Figure?

They provide assistance to the hero and gives amulet to the hero. (the amulet can be physical or advice or ideas)

Define the threshold.

Interface between the known and the unknown.

What is the purpose of the succession of trials?

To prove the Hero’s endurance and resilience as well as devotion to the journey. They are also intended to set the hero back along their journey.

What is the role of the Hero’s Helpers?

To help the hero along their journey as well as face their own hero’s journey as well.

How does the abyss lead to transformation?

It helps the hero to conquer the darkest moment and to aid them to learn.

Define transformation.

Personal growth in characters.

Define enlightenment.

A positive, dramatic change in the hero’s thoughts and views as well as action towards them.

What is the Return Stage, why is it important, and what happens if it is not completed?

It is when the hero returns to society. It is important because this is when they share the boon of enlightenment with society. If this stage is not completed the hero will feel dissatisfied and bitter until they complete it.

Explain the hero giving back and going back.

The hero gives back to society by sharing the boon (often new knowledge). They do not need to physically return to society to complete this.