monomythic

The monomyth, also known as the hero's journey, is a narrative pattern identified by mythologist Joseph Campbell. Campbell observed that many myths, legends, and stories from diverse cultures share a fundamental structure. This structure describes a hero who goes on an adventure, faces a decisive crisis, and returns transformed.

The monomyth typically begins with a "call to adventure," where the protagonist receives an invitation to embark on a quest. This is often followed by a "refusal of the call," where the hero hesitates. Eventually, the hero crosses a "threshold" into an unknown world. Within this world, the hero encounters various trials, allies, and enemies. A central element is the "ordeal," a major crisis or confrontation. Following the ordeal, the hero achieves a "reward" or boon. The journey concludes with a "resurrection" or final test, and the hero returns to their ordinary world, bringing with them the reward and having undergone significant growth or transformation.

Campbell argued that this archetypal narrative resonates deeply with human psychology, reflecting universal experiences of growth, challenge, and self-discovery. The monomyth's influence can be seen in countless works of literature, film, and other forms of storytelling. While the specific details vary, the underlying pattern of departure, initiation, and return remains remarkably consistent across many cultures and time periods.