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The Myth Cycle and the Hero's Journey

According to Joseph Campbell, the late expert on myths, the primary function of myths is "to supply the symbols that carry the human spirit forward..." That function can be seen in Campbell's myth cycle, the pattern of the adventures experienced by mythic heroes.

Heroes, people with special talents or gifts, first separate from the world, departing from their everyday life patterns. Next, the hero has an initiation into a source of power, experiencing trials and victories. Finally, the hero returns to society, bringing to it the powers gained through the mythic adventure. In reintegrating into society, the hero may be either honored or rejected by others.

The three main stages in the cycle can be broken down into smaller steps, beginning with "The Call to Adventure". The entire cycle is displayed for your enjoyment and edification.

Don't try to read this thumbnail diagram; it's just a marker for the link to the larger diagram.

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"Writers' Workshop: Hero's Journey" created by Stevan Kalmon,
<kalmon@bvsd.k12.co.us>
New Vista High School,
Last modified: May 3, 1998