Saliba, Lexi - A Hero's Journey

Joseph Campbell defines a hero as someone who has dedicated his life for a greater cause. Campbell outlines the characteristics that are generally found in a hero and describes a hero as a male who is typically of lowly birth. Heroes often have birthrights or powers that they are unaware of. He explains that a hero's parents are generally absent or dead, and the importance of this is that a hero cannot begin his journey as a man if he has a dominant father figure present. Lastly, Campbell states that a hero must be someone who is willing to risk his life for his ideals and beliefs. A hero's actions must be represent a nobility of purpose.

Campbell explains that a hero's journey is marked by three specific phases. The first phase, known as the departure, consists of the hero leaving his familiar world and venturing into the unknown. The second phase is the initiation, where the hero must prove himself by overcoming a series of obstacles. The third phase is the return, where the hero rejoins his people and shares his newfound knowledge or the boon of his quest.

Campbell's characteristics of a hero can be seen in Luke Skywalker in Star Wars: A New Hope. Luke is young man who lives on a farm with his Uncle Owen and Aunt Beru, because his parents are deceased. Luke has a very apparent desire to leave the farm and fight alongside the Rebellion against the Empire. He begins the departure phase of his journey when R2-D2 displays the recorded message from Princess Leia. This part of the departure phase is "the call to adventure," according to Campbell. This is the first stage of the journey and signifies the hero's destiny. The message sparks his curiosity, and he asks his uncle about Obi-Wan Kenobi. Luke then discovers that R2-D2 has left the farm in order to find Obi-Wan Kenobi and deliver the message from the Princess, so Luke ventures out in search of the droid. After Luke happens upon Obi-Wan Kenobi, Luke learns that his father was a Jedi and is presented with his father's lightsaber. Obi-Wan offers to teach Luke the ways of the force and take him to the planet Alderaan, but Luke refuses the offer, stating that he cannot leave his aunt and uncle and his duties on the farm. This stage of the departure is known as the "refusal of the call." The refusal of the call to adventure generally signifies how boredom or hard work causes the hero to lose the power of affirmative action. A significant event or supernatural aid is often what the hero needs in order to answer the call. When Luke returns to the farm, he finds his aunt and uncle dead and feels as though there is nothing left for him on his planet, so he must answer the call to adventure.