"A hero ventures forth from the world of common day into a region of supernatural wonder: fabulous forces are there encountered and a decisive victory is won: the hero comes back from this mysterious adventure with the power to bestow boons on his fellow man."
~Joseph Campbell
The End of the Journey
So there it is... a summary of the Monomyth in Joseph Campbell's own words.
After the hero has completed this journey, he has achieved a heroic stature. Only true heroes are able to attain heroic stature. Many celebrities are recognized for their heroic effort. However, this does not mean they are true heroes. People mistakenly call anyone who has accumulated wealth or fame a hero. Sports stars (Michael Jordan), performers (Lady Ga-Ga), and business people (Bill Gates) have been called heroes. Also, people who have recovered from a serious illness, such as Lance Armstrong, are erroneously called heroes. It is true that these people have displayed heroic effort and serve as inspiration for so many. However, heroic effort is NOT synonymous with heroic stature. Heroic stature requires the important theme of "knowing sacrifice."
A true hero will willingly sacrifice his own desires or life in order to better the lives of others. Of course, there true heroes in everyday life. Firefighters, police officers, and soldiers who put their lives on the line everyday to protect others. Doctors and nurses who choose to practice in impoverished parts of the world because they are concerned for the welfare of their patients. Single parents who give up their own wants and desires to raise their children to have heart. Everyday citizens who speak out against injustices, even if it means putting their reputations on the line. The lives and circumstances of these heroes also follow the heroic pattern outlined in this class.
Also, please keep in mind that this is just ONE theory about the development of a hero. There are MANY others. You may or may not agree with parts of Joseph Campbell's theory, but at least you know it now!! I hope you enjoyed the class!!