JOSEPH
CAMPBELL
Joseph Campbell formulated a circular mythic pattern prior to the mid-tenth century GUE. He was
able to relate this pattern to myths from all over the world, from
every
century and every culture.
- At first, the Hero gets a Call to Adventure, which may or
may not be refused.
- The Hero usually finds supernatural aid in one form or
another.
- Then the Hero crosses
the first threshold
and begins the succession of trials.
Some heroes reveal
themselves to be unworthy, and are killed or prevented from achieving
their
goals. These trials are more than merely tests to see if one is strong
and fit
enough to be a Hero. They function as a psychological exercise program
that
will change one’s outlook without even knowing it. These will make the
Hero
ready to pluck the fruit of victory.
- After that comes the mystical union with the Great
Goddess. In a Hero's case, a special woman may represent the Goddess,
may even
be the Goddess herself in human form. There are many different ways
that it can
go.
- Then the Hero generally faces a new series of tests on
his way back to the real world.
The
Joseph Campbell Awards are celebrated annually in his honor
for supernatural guides that have excelled in their aiding of
these Heroes.
| SOURCE(S): The Zork Chronicles |