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Joseph Campbell and The Power of Myth
Ever since I first became aware of Joseph Campbell's work while watching the PBS series, "Joseph Campbell and the Power of Myth" in 1988, I have been an admirer of his work, especially his book, The Hero With a Thousand Faces, and how his concepts can be used to cope with personal change. |
| The Hero's Journey |
When I was a social work graduate student many years ago, I did an internship at an agency for homeless men many of whom had mental health and substance abuse problems. When my supervisor recommended that I do a group for the clients, I knew I wanted to introduce the concepts of the "Hero's Journey" to these clients, which is derived from Campbell's book.
The clients understood immediately how the "Hero's Journey" applied to their life, their recovery and the changes they were trying to make to their life. It was a popular group at the agency.
Since that time, many clients in my psychotherapy practice in New York City have found that the concepts in the "Hero's Journey" helped them to make major changes in their lives.
What is the "Hero's Journey"?
Joseph Campbell, an American mythologist and author described the "Hero's Journey" as a monomyth.
A monomyth is a narrative structure which is common in many myths around the world where the main character ventures from their ordinary world to an unknown world.
Along the way, according to Campbell, the main character encounters adventures, challenges and has transformational experiences of self discovery before they return to the known world to re-enter their world and bring back what they have learned to their society.
"The Hero's Journey" has been used as a blueprint for many movies and stories, including Star Wars. George Lucas created the character, Luke Skywalker, as the hero of the story who transforms from a farm boy into a hero through the classic stages of the "Hero's Journey".
What Are the Stages of the "Hero's Journey"?
The "Hero's Journey" is made of three main phases:
- Separation from the Known World (Departure)
- Initiation
- Return to the Known World
Within those three main phases, there are various stages including:
- The Ordinary World: This is the hero's normal everyday life before the adventure begins.
- The Call to Adventure: The hero gets the call to face a challenge or a quest.
- Refusal of the Call: The hero hesitates or fears leaving their comfort zone. An example of this is when Luke Skywalker tells Obi-Wan Kenobe that he cannot join him to fight the Empire because he has obligations to his aunt and uncle. He is also fearful and wants to remain in his familiar world.
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| Meeting the Mentor: Ariadne's Thread |
- Meeting the Mentor: A wise or experienced figure gives the hero advice or tools for the challenges to come. In Star Wars, Obi-Wan Kenobe is an important mentor. He teaches him about the Force and lightsaber skills. Another example in the Greek myth, "Theseus and the Minotaur", Ariadne, a princess in Crete, gave the hero, Theseus, a ball of red yarn (or fleece) to help him navigate the Labyrinth, a complex maze that housed the dangerous Minotaur. In psychology, this myth is used as a metaphor for using your inner voice to lead you through the maze of your unconscious mind or through a difficult life transition (see my article: Reclaiming the Power of Your Inner Voice).
- Crossing the First Threshold: The hero commits to the journey and enters into the unknown world.
- Tests, Allies, Enemies: The hero faces challenges, makes friends and encounters foes.
- Approach to the Inmost Cave: The hero prepares for the central crisis of the story
- The Ordeal: The ordeal is a central life-or-death crisis where the hero faces their greatest fear.
- Reward (Seizing the Sword): The hero survives the ordeal and takes possession of the treasure or knowledge.
- The Road Back: The hero attempts to return to the ordinary world while they are being chased by danger.
- Resurrection: The hero faces the final high-stakes battle at the threshold of home, which purifies the hero.
- Return of the Elixir: The hero returns home and brings back the "elixir" (knowledge, treasure or peace) to help their community. For instance, in the myth of "Eros and Psyche", Psyche is given ambrosia by Zeus after completing the quests which transform her from a mortal into a goddess. Another example is Luke Skywalker in Star Wars. The elixir is the destruction of the Death Star and the medal of honor. This signifies hope, success and his rise as a hero.
What is the Significance of the "Hero's Journey"?
- Common Themes: The themes in the "Hero's Journey" mirror experience in real life of overcoming obstacles to attain personal growth.
- Story Structure: It provides a framework for personal storytelling as well as for stories like:
- Star Wars
- The Hobbit
- The Wizard of Oz
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| The "Hero's Journey"and The Wizard of Oz |
- The Odyssey
- The Quest For the Holy Grail
- The Alchemist
- The Hunger Games
- The Three Musketeers and many other stories.
- Transformation: The focus is on the internal change of the main character as well as the adventure. This also applies to the psychological changes in real life.
How Can You Use the "Hero's Journey" to Cope With Big Changes in Your Life?
You can use the "Hero's Journey" to cope with change by reframing personal challenges as a narrative for growth rather than a crisis.
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| The "Hero's Journey" |
By identifying as a hero, rather than a victim, in your own story, you can embrace uncertainty as a "Call to Adventure", find mentors or people who can provide you with tools and emotional support, face challenges and attain newfound strength.
Key Stages of the "Hero's Journey" for Personal Change
- Reframe the Crisis as a Journey: Instead of viewing life challenges or disruptions as permanent catastrophes, see them as necessary temporary stages in a transformative journey.
- Identify the Call to Adventure: Recognize the necessity of change as a "call" prompting you to step out of your comfort zone to begin the necessary transition.
- Identify Mentors or Allies: Recognize the people, including mentors, allies, trusted friends, mental health professionals and others, who can provide support, guidance and tools during your transition.
- "Cross the Threshold": Commit to making the change by taking small, proactive steps which help to build momentum and reduce fears of the unknown.
- Face the "Ordeal": Acknowledge that facing challenges is a necessary part of the process while allowing the "death" of old habits and the "rebirth" of a more resilient self.
- Bring Back the "Elixir": Focus on the lessons, wisdom and personal growth gained from your struggle while integrating the new strength into your "ordinary world".
About Me
I am a licensed New York psychotherapist, hypnotherapist, EMDR, AEDP, EFT (for couples), Parts Work (IFS and Ego States Therapy), Somatic Experiencing and Certified Sex Therapist.
I have helped many individual adults and couples.
To find out more about me, visit my website: Josephine Ferraro, LCSW - NYC Psychotherapist.
To set up a consultation, call me at (917) 742-2624 during business hours or email me.
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