Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s Journey: Why the Call Haunts Us All

The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek - Joseph Campbell

Most people’s lives at one point or another come to a crossroads or call to adventure in which a decision they make will affect trajectory of their lives.

In the book The Lord of the Rings Frodo delays leaving the Shire for 17 years according to Tolkien's timeline.

Usually, this crossroads is divided into a fork in the road in which one path is the normal life were use too, the other is the unknown.

80% of all myths there is some form of hesitation and rejection to this call to adventure.

According to fMRI studies done by UCL 2016 show heightened amygdala activity during uncertain decisions. This analysis paralysis is a symptom of mind in motion until it comes to a stop.

In ordinary everyday life 72% of professionals admit delaying career changes due to fear (LinkedIn, 2023).

The beginning of the hero’s journey starts with the call to adventure, which is usually followed by the rejection of the call.

The hero’s journey is going to be the framework in which we analyze self-actuality for the upcoming weeks.

For those who don’t know the Heros Journey is a concept by Joseph Campbell which is a monomyth.

Monomyth is going to be explored, alongside the hero’s journey too.

"He who is not every day conquering some fear has not learned the secret of life." - Ralph Waldo Emerson