Go the Distance: The Hero's Journey
Joseph Campbell is an American mythologist, author, and professor. He is a renowned writer and editor whose works on comparative mythology explored the universal similarities of legends in multiple human cultures and mythic characters in all literature (Segal, 2012). In his book The Hero with a Thousand Faces, the American author establishes the concept of what we know call the Hero's Journey--a common hero archetype embedded in countless stories worldwide.
Campbell sets down the hero's journey structure in 17 stages in his book (www.masterclass.com, 2020). He summarizes these to three fundamental phases:
- The departure. The hero departs the familiar world and ventures into a new life.
- The initiation. The hero navigates the unfamiliar world and endures many trials.
- The return. The hero returns to his familiar world.
The Labours of Hercules is a classic example of this structure.
Hercules and the Monomyth
Following his family's death, Hercules traveled to Delphi to sought redemption from the god Apollo (The Departure). The god heard Hercules' request and advised that he make amends by completing twelve impossible tasks. For twelve years, the demigod used his strength and wits to kill many mythical beasts and complete several challenging assignments (The Initiation). After enduring these legendary twelve labors, Hercules finally obtained salvation (The Return) (www.history.com, 2011).
In the 1997 animated feature film Hercules, Disney reimagines the Greek myth to create an entirely new tale. The story started with newborn Hercules kidnapped and forced to stay among mortals on Earth. Now a teenager, Hercules learns of his true heritage and leaves his home to find his true self among the gods (The Departure). He visits Zeus, who advises him to perform a rite of passage to prove himself worthy of living in Olympus. With his mentor Philoctetes, Hercules learns to use his strength to conquer a group of monstrous beasts. In a fight for survival, Hercules goes head to head with Hades and the Titans, losing his strength along the way (The Initiation). However, determined than ever, Hercules redeems his power and fights his enemies, eventually winning the battle and becoming the greatest hero Greece has ever known (The Return) (Clements & Musker, 1997).
Two Tales of Redemption
Despite many versions of the tale, Hercules' path to redemption remains the same. In both the original and Disney version, Hercules is portrayed as a flawed character who committed countless mistakes. Wrath as the original Herculesis biggest flaw and lack of control of his powers as the Disney version's greatest weakness. Regardless of their imperfections, both figures chose to redeem themselves and seek help from their mentors to venture into the strange new world. Though both of their respective journeys were difficult, the original and modern Hercules chose their paths and triumphed over any obstacles that come their way.
Hercules and the Hero's Journey in the 21st Century
From both tales, we learn that the journey towards redemption and success is a conscious decision. Like in real life, if we intend to redeem ourselves, we have to make our paths to success. If we want to grow and become better individuals, we have to get out of our comfort zones and face new problems. Treading this path to personal development, however, can be intimidating, but we do not have to do it alone. We can have other people to support and guide us in our endeavors.
You see dear reader, "great stories (and real-life) all boil down to one thing: struggles. Difficulties are the heart of compelling storytelling. The same can be said for our development: without trials and tribulations, we cannot grow and become better versions of ourselves" (Jeffrey, n.d.).
The Hero's Journey reflects much of our transition towards our adult lives. In our safe space, in our childhood bubble, we cannot grow and experience problems. However, once we allow ourselves to experience struggles and difficulties, we can show our strengths and capabilities.
As for me, my hero's journey has yet to come. I am still preparing myself to depart from college to the adult world. I have yet to experience teaching challenges that will come my way once I am in the field. Though I know it would be hard, I am confident that everything will go as planned since I have good mentors who have continually guided me in my preparation as a teacher.
"Listen for your call to your adventure. Accept the challenge. Conquer your fear and claim the treasure you seek."
- Matthew Wrinkler, TedEd (2012)
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makes a hero? - Matthew Winkler.https://www.youtube.com/watchv=Hhk4N9A0oCA.
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is the HERO'S Journey? 2 hero's Journey examples in film (2020).https://www.masterclass.com/articles/writing-101-what-is-the-heros-journey#what-is-the-heros-journey.
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(2012). What makes a hero? Kirart Animation Studio. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hhk4N9A0oCA&t=148s.
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