Myth and Cultural Critic
‘Universal human truths’ in an age of increasing social fragmentationJoseph Campbell, The Hero with a Thousand Faces
‘Mythology is ultimately and always the vehicle through which the individual finds a sense of identity and place in the world.”
v He promoted what he called ‘living mythology’
v In his view, there was a single ‘monomyth’ organizing all such narratives.
Setting from home - carried away to the threshold of adventure- defeat a shadowy presence - enters a dark passageway or evn death -meets many unfamiliar forces - test - magical aid - undergoes a supreme ordeal and gains his reward - sacred marriage or sexual union with goddess, reconciliation of the father - his own divinization, or a mighty gift to bring back to the world - the final work of return