THE HERO’S JOURNEY IN ANCIENT MYTHOLOGY AND MODERN FANTAS

  • Vaishali Awasthi

Abstract

This paper explores the enduring archetype of the Hero's Journey, as conceptualized by Joseph Campbell, within the contexts of ancient mythology and modern fantasy literature. The Hero's Journey, a narrative structure that outlines the protagonist’s adventure, trials, transformation, and return, is prevalent in myths from various cultures and continues to influence contemporary storytelling. By examining ancient myths such as Homer's "The Odyssey" and the Epic of Gilgamesh alongside modern fantasy works like J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings" and J.K. Rowling's "Harry Potter" series, this study investigates the universal themes and motifs that define the hero's transformative quest. The paper analyzes how modern fantasy adapts and reinterprets these mythological elements to address contemporary issues and resonate with modern audiences. Additionally, it explores the psychological and cultural significance of the Hero's Journey, highlighting its role in personal and collective identity formation. Through this comparative analysis, the study seeks to demonstrate the timeless appeal and adaptability of the Hero's Journey, underscoring its relevance in both ancient and modern narratives. Keywords: Hero's Journey, Joseph Campbell, ancient mythology, modern fantasy, narrative structure, transformation, J.R.R. Tolkien, J.K. Rowling, cultural significance, identity formation.
How to Cite
Vaishali Awasthi. (1). THE HERO’S JOURNEY IN ANCIENT MYTHOLOGY AND MODERN FANTAS. ACCENT JOURNAL OF ECONOMICS ECOLOGY & ENGINEERING (Special for English Literature & Humanities) ISSN: 2456-1037 IF:8.20, ELJIF: 6.194(10/2018), Peer Reviewed and Refereed Journal, UGC APPROVED NO. 48767, 7(7), 29-35. Retrieved from http://ajeee.co.in/index.php/ajeee/article/view/4602