JOSEPH CAMPBELL AND THE HERO

Approaches:  Comparative, Psychological, Mystical

Comparative approach-->Campbell's conclusion:
Universal pattern of hero story ("monomyth"):  separation--initiation--return

1) Departure = separation from the world of humans

• The Call to Adventure
• Refusal of the Call--not required, and may or may not actually put a stop to the adventure
• Supernatural Aid--protective figure supplies amulet (or whatever)
• The Crossing of the First Threshold--encounter with guardian/monster
• The Belly of the Whale--womb-image/self-annihilation

2) Initiation = trials and tribulations/rite of passage
[involving some or all of the following?--not too clear]

• The Road of Trials (/obstacles/purifications)
• The Meeting with the Goddess--mystical marriage; the goddess is both "good" (nurturing mother--womb) and "bad" (death--earth as tomb)