Joseph Campbell was a 20th-century mythologist who compared religions and myths of the world and noticed a common thread. Filmmakers like e.g. George Lucas used this universal story structure as a base for his stories. The Hero/ine’s Journey has been a fundamental guideline for screenwriting in the film industry ever since. He drew connections between the philosophies and mythic narratives of cultures worldwide, discovering a common thread that resonates universally.:
Campbell’s insight was that beneath the diverse stories we tell, there is a fundamental narrative that speaks to all of us, regardless of our origins. This narrative, which he termed the „hero’s journey,“ lies at the heart of our shared human experience. There are uncountable versions of hero stories from every culture. However, it wasn’t until Joseph Campbell came along that many realized how they all seemed to interlock, essentially telling the same story:
A simplified rendition of the hero’s journey involves someone starting in their familiar, protected world, and receiving a call to adventure. This call is marked by a vision, a quest, and it forms the core of the hero’s story. The hero faces trials, encounters various challenges and adversaries, meets those who harm and those who aid, and confronts closed doors. In my understanding from the depth of my heart – the hero is universal, and women must be included. Hence, I call it the Heroine’s journey.
Entering the cave you fear to enter
On the heroine’s journey, one must face dragons, be they real or symbolic. These challenges arise as the heroine ventures towards the innermost cave, where the most pivotal crisis awaits, and where the heroine’s true self is unveiled. This culminating moment is one of triumph and glory, but it is not the journey’s conclusion: After facing the challenges, the heroine’s path leads them back to their community, ready to share their transformative story, woven with adventures, featuring heroes, villains, gods, goddesses, knights, and mythical beings.
Interestingly, they are mirrors reflecting our inner landscapes, springing forth from the depths of our own souls. With a discerning eye, you’ll find the pattern in numerous stories, be it Star Wars, The Matrix, Harry Potter, or the tale of The Ugly Duckling: Each of these is a timeless narrative following the hero’s odyssey.
At the heart of storytelling lies a profound lesson. Characters step into the shadows of the unknown, facing their innermost selves. Here lies a deep connection between confronting fear and gaining a soulful enrichment — a hidden power of immense value. These are the crucible moments, where humans approach what seems like the brink of despair, only to emerge stronger, redeemed, and ultimately, elevated. We call them heroes.
Imagine if we could distill all these stories into a single map, a universal guide for all of us.
Because deep down, every human being shares a common thread. Whether we’re navigating through a grand external conflict like World War II or an internal battle, the essence of the journey remains unaltered. In truth, we’re not disconnected from the characters we meet in our tales, whether they grace the screen or the pages of a novel — because they are us. It’s a shared odyssey that binds us all.
The heroine’s journey mirrors our journey of life:
The heroine’s journey beautifully mirrors the trajectory of our lives: We enter this world, navigate the trials of childhood and adolescence, strive to find our footing as adults, embark on adventures, grapple with inner conflicts. As the years pass, we age, and eventually, we bid farewell to this earthly existence. Yet, within this finite period, we yearn for something more. A purpose that resonates with our very being. It need not be grand or showy, but it must hold profound significance for us.
It’s the journey from the mundane to the extraordinary. It’s a transition from shadow to „enälightenment“. It’s the profound shift from a life that lacks fulfillment to one that overflows with it, earned by surmounting challenges that once seemed insurmountable. If we confront our fears, conquer our inner demons, and cross the threshold, symbolizing our arrival, we ultimately, transform into heroes.
Mythology should be regarded for what it truly is – a metaphor for our human existence. If we know ourselves – we are fearless in our pursuits.
Joseph Campbell believed they are narratives about the psyche,- what Carl Jung referred to as the self. Jung termed these encapsulated stories or mythologies „archetypes“.
