Hero's Journey Quiz: 17 Stages of the Monomyth Explained

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Questions and Answers

Explain the concept of supernatural aid in the hero's journey according to Campbell's theory.

The concept of supernatural aid in the hero's journey refers to the appearance of a guide or magical helper once the hero has committed to the quest. This figure represents a benign, protecting power of destiny and often presents the hero with talismans or artifacts that aid them in their quest.

What is the significance of the crossing of the first threshold in the hero's journey?

The crossing of the first threshold marks the point where the hero leaves the known limits of their world and ventures into an unknown and dangerous realm. It symbolizes a passage beyond the veil of the known into the unknown, where the rules and limits are unknown.

How does Campbell describe the role of the 'threshold guardian' in the hero's adventure?

Campbell describes the 'threshold guardian' as the personification of the hero's destiny who guides and aids the hero in their adventure until they come to the entrance of the zone of magnified power. These custodians represent the limits of the hero's present sphere or life horizon, and beyond them lies darkness, the unknown, and danger.

What does the hero's act coinciding with the society's readiness symbolize in Campbell's theory?

The hero's act coinciding with the society's readiness symbolizes the hero riding on the great rhythm of the historical process, with all the forces of the unconscious at their side. It signifies the hero's alignment with the collective readiness for the hero's journey. Signup and view all the answers

According to Campbell, what does the hero find as they continue to follow courageously as the consequences unfold?

According to Campbell, as the hero continues to follow courageously as the consequences unfold, they find all the forces of the unconscious at their side, with Mother Nature herself supporting the mighty task. Signup and view all the answers

How does Campbell characterize the adventure in the hero's journey?

Campbell characterizes the adventure as a passage beyond the veil of the known into the unknown, where the powers that watch at the boundary are dangerous. Dealing with these powers is risky, but for anyone with competence and courage, the danger can be faced. Signup and view all the answers

What does the appearance of the supernatural mentor represent in the hero's journey?

The appearance of the supernatural mentor represents a benign, protecting power of destiny, providing a reassurance that the peace of Paradise, known first within the mother's womb, is not to be lost. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of talismans or artifacts in the hero's journey, according to Campbell?

According to Campbell, talismans or artifacts provided by the supernatural mentor aid the hero later in their quest, representing a protecting power of destiny and a promise that the peace of Paradise supports the present and stands in the future as well as in the past. Signup and view all the answers

According to Campbell, what is the function of the supernatural mentor in the hero's journey?

The supernatural mentor represents benign, protecting power of destiny. It provides a reassurance that the peace of Paradise, which was known first within the mother womb, is not to be lost, and that it supports the present and stands in the future as well as in the past. The mentor symbolizes the omnipotence that supports the hero as they embark on their quest. Signup and view all the answers

How does Campbell describe the role of the 'threshold guardian' in the hero's adventure?

Campbell describes the 'threshold guardian' as a custodian that bounds the world in all directions and stands for the limits of the hero's present sphere or life horizon. Beyond this guardian lies darkness, the unknown, and danger. Dealing with these guardians is risky, representing a passage beyond the veil of the known into the unknown. While the powers that watch at the boundary are dangerous, anyone with competence and courage can navigate past them. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the significance of the hero crossing into the field of adventure, according to Campbell's theory.

The crossing of the first threshold signifies the hero leaving the known limits of their world and venturing into an unknown and dangerous realm where the rules and limits are unknown. This represents a passage beyond the veil of the known into the unknown, and the powers that watch at the boundary are dangerous. It symbolizes the hero's willingness to face the risks and challenges of the adventure, demonstrating competence and courage in navigating the unknown. Signup and view all the answers

What does Campbell suggest about the hero's act coinciding with that for which their society is ready?

Campbell suggests that when the hero's act coincides with that for which their society itself is ready, they seem to ride on the great rhythm of the historical process. This implies that the hero's actions align with the readiness and needs of their society, allowing them to tap into the support of the ageless guardians and the forces of the unconscious. It signifies a harmonious alignment between the hero's individual journey and the collective needs of society. Signup and view all the answers

According to Campbell, what do the ageless guardians symbolize in the hero's journey?

According to Campbell, the ageless guardians symbolize the support of the unconscious forces of the hero's journey. They represent the protective and guiding forces that appear when the hero responds to their own call and continues to follow courageously as the consequences of their actions unfold. The ageless guardians, along with Mother Nature, support the hero's mighty task and represent the benign, protecting power of destiny. Signup and view all the answers

Who proposed narrative patterns in hero myths in terms of Freudian psychoanalysis and ritualism?

Otto Rank and Lord Raglan Signup and view all the answers

What term did Campbell borrow from James Joyce's Finnegans Wake?

monomyth Signup and view all the answers

According to Campbell, what region does the Call to Adventure represent?

a distant land, a forest, a kingdom underground, beneath the waves, or above the sky, a secret island, lofty mountaintop, or profound dream state Signup and view all the answers

What may the hero do to accomplish the adventure, according to Campbell?

go forth of their own volition or be carried or sent abroad by some benign or malignant agent Signup and view all the answers

What is the first stage of the monomyth's Departure section?

The Call to Adventure Signup and view all the answers

What happens when the future hero first refuses to heed the call?

Refusal of the summons converts the adventure into its negative Signup and view all the answers

In what book did Campbell summarize the narrative pattern of the monomyth?

The Hero with a Thousand Faces Signup and view all the answers

How many stages does Campbell describe in the monomyth?

17 stages Signup and view all the answers

Who referred to Vyacheslav Ivanov's treatment of Dionysus as 'Ivanov's monomyth'?

Omry Ronen Signup and view all the answers

What may be organized in a number of ways, including division into three 'acts' or sections?

The 17 stages of the monomyth Signup and view all the answers

In the return section, what must the hero do with his reward?

return to the ordinary world with it Signup and view all the answers

According to Campbell, what happens to the hero himself after the adventure?

He is transformed and gains wisdom or spiritual power over both worlds Signup and view all the answers

What are some criticisms of Joseph Campbell's concept of the 'monomyth'?

Critics, particularly folklorists, have dismissed the concept as a non-scholarly approach suffering from source-selection bias, among other criticisms. Signup and view all the answers

Who were some of the earlier figures that proposed similar concepts to the hero's journey or monomyth?

Earlier figures proposing similar concepts include psychoanalyst Otto Rank and amateur anthropologist Lord Raglan. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the hero's journey being analyzed as an example of the sympathetic plot?

The hero's journey has been analyzed as an example of the sympathetic plot, a universal narrative structure in which a goal-directed protagonist confronts obstacles, overcomes them, and eventually reaps rewards. Signup and view all the answers

Who popularized the hero myth pattern studies and how did he influence the concept?

The hero myth pattern studies were popularized by Joseph Campbell, who was influenced by Carl Jung's analytical psychology. Signup and view all the answers

According to Joseph Campbell, how many stages are organized into the hero's journey?

The hero's journey is organized into three acts: departure, initiation, and return. Signup and view all the answers

What term did Joseph Campbell borrow to imply the ultimate narrative archetype?

Joseph Campbell borrowed the term 'monomyth' from James Joyce's Finnegans Wake. Signup and view all the answers

In Joseph Campbell's theory, what may the hero receive in the departure section and how does the hero initially respond to it?

In the departure section, the hero receives the 'Call to Adventure' representing a distant or unknown place. The hero initially responds with the 'Refusal of the Call,' refusing to heed the call. Signup and view all the answers

How does Campbell summarize the monomyth narrative pattern in his book 'The Hero with a Thousand Faces' (1949)?

Campbell summarizes the monomyth narrative pattern as a hero venturing into a region of supernatural wonder, encountering forces, and returning with the power to bestow boons. Signup and view all the answers

According to Campbell, what are the three acts into which the 17 stages of the monomyth are organized?

The 17 stages of the monomyth are organized into three acts: departure, initiation, and return. Signup and view all the answers

In the departure section of the hero's journey, what are the two key stages described by Campbell?

In the departure section, the two key stages described by Campbell are the 'Call to Adventure' and the 'Refusal of the Call.' Signup and view all the answers

What does the initiation section of the hero's journey involve according to Joseph Campbell?

The initiation section involves the hero traversing into a special world, facing tasks or trials, and eventually undergoing 'apotheosis' and gaining a reward. Signup and view all the answers

What three parts are the 17 stages of the monomyth organized into according to Joseph Campbell?

The 17 stages of the monomyth are organized into the three parts: departure, initiation, and return. Signup and view all the answers

What may the refusal of the call be due to according to Campbell's theory?

The refusal of the call may be due to fear, insecurity, or a sense of inadequacy, which converts the adventure into its negative. Signup and view all the answers

What does the return section of the hero's journey see the hero doing with the gained treasure or elixir?

The return section sees the hero returning to the ordinary world with the gained treasure or elixir, transforming and gaining wisdom. Signup and view all the answers

What are the three acts into which the 17 stages of the monomyth may be organized according to Campbell?

The 17 stages of the monomyth may be organized into three acts: departure, initiation, and return. Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Supernatural Aid

A guide or magical helper appears after the hero commits to the quest. This figure represents a benign, protecting power and provides talismans.

Crossing of the First Threshold

The hero leaves their known world and enters an unknown, dangerous realm, symbolizing a venture into the unknown with unfamiliar rules.

Threshold Guardian

The 'threshold guardian' personifies the limits of the hero's current life, guarding the entrance to a zone of magnified power. These custodians guide and aid the hero until the entrance of the zone of magnified power.

Society's Readiness

The hero's journey aligns with the society's readiness, indicating alignment with the collective unconscious and historical progress.