Crash Course Mythology: Heroes

Introduction

• Presenter: Mike Rugnetta
• Focus: Exploration of heroes in mythology using Joseph Campbell's "Hero's Journey."
• Note on Terminology: Though "hero" is used in a masculine sense, heroines exist in mythology.

Heroes in Mythology

• Heroes are a central figure in mythological stories across all cultures and ages.
• Campbell's "monomyth" or "hero's journey" is a framework for understanding these stories.

Joseph Campbell’s Monomyth

• Core Idea: Heroes embark on a journey away from safety towards adventure, eventually returning home.
• Controversy: Campbell’s views on culture and gender roles can be divisive.
• Influences: Psychological theories of Freud, Ranke, and Jung.
• Hero's Journey's Importance: Reflects psychological journeys of individuals.
• Universal Patterns: Campbell believed that hero myths are universal and follow similar patterns.

Structure of the Hero's Journey

• Three Main Parts with 17 Sub-Parts:
  1. Separation/Departure
     • Hero separates from the world or retreats to the unconscious.
     • Key Steps: Call to adventure, refusal of the call, meeting a mentor, crossing the threshold.
  2. Initiation
     • Trials and victories as the hero changes into who they're destined to be.
     • Key Steps: Road of trials, meeting with the goddess, women as a temptress, confrontation with the father, apotheosis.
  3. Return
     • Reintegration into society.
     • Key Steps: Refusal of return, magical flight, rescue from without, crossing the return threshold, master of two worlds, freedom to live.

Hero's Journey Examples

• Traditional Heroes: Odysseus, Beowulf, Luke Skywalker
• Unique Example: Story of the Seven Sisters (Pleiades) from Aboriginal Australian mythology
  • Their Journey: Overcome trials of hunger, pain, and fear.
  • Outcome: Become celestial bodies, symbolizing enlightenment and sacrifice for others.

Applying Campbell’s Framework

• Although not all stories fit perfectly, patterns can be identified.
• Prompts consideration of personal growth and psychological symbolism in hero stories.

Conclusion

• Campbell's framework helps in recognizing and comparing mythological stories.
• Next classes will explore more heroes against Campbell's framework.
• Encouragement to see hero patterns in media and personal life.

Additional Information

• Crash Course Mythology Production Details: Filmed in Chad and Stacey Emigle's studio.
• Support: Made possible by patrons at Patreon.
• Resources: Adobe Creative Cloud for production.

Closing

• Note: Everyone can be a hero, even if just for a day.