Engleski A - 2024./25. probna - reading 2.

The Hero's Journey is a timeless narrative archetype that has found expression in both cinematic and literary language and captivated audiences across cultures and generations. From the 'Star Wars' series to 'Home Alone', it emerges as a universal metaphor for the deep inner journey of transformation - the path of a hero who embarks on a quest of separation, descent, affliction and return. Joseph Campbell, the renowned mythologist, identified the pattern of its stages involving a problem or Central Dramatic Question that disrupts the Hero's Ordinary World and prompts the mythical journey that reflects the never-ending human quest for meaning, growth and self-actualisation.
The Hero's Journey begins with the Call to Adventure, where the protagonist is summoned into the Special World by an external event or an internal longing, provoking a desire for change. Initially reluctant and unwilling to renounce the familiarity of their safe haven, the Hero meets a Mentor (a physical person, a map, a logbook or hieroglyphics), receives instruction and then embraces the risks, the dangers and the likelihood of failure - all indispensable elements compelling the audience to join in. A series of battles, tests, allies and adversaries is encountered, forcing the Hero to confront their vulnerability, fears and limitations. A Rival to their goal may also be revealed.

The Hero must now make the preparations required to approach the place that leads to the Journey's heart - the Abyss. Maps might be reviewed, attacks planned, intelligence gathered, depleted ranks reorganised and, possibly, the Rival's forces weakened, before they can confront the supreme danger lurking in the Special World. Having evolved in the trial phase, transcending initial restraints through adversity and perseverance, the Hero has become a more formidable version of themselves. The stakes are heightening.
At the midpoint of the Journey lies the Abyss: the supreme life-or-death crisis, where the Hero faces their greatest fear or challenge. Teetering on the brink of failure, the Journey keeps the audience in suspense and anticipation of a fatal outcome. The Hero may directly taste death, or witness the death of an Ally or Mentor, or even worse, be the culprit. This make-or-break moment facilitates an internal transformation, a shedding of old beliefs that have been obstructing self-reliance. A profound metamorphosis takes place and new insights are integrated, accompanied with a strong sense of purpose.

The Hero has survived death, slain the dragon and earned the Reward, be it a magical sword, an elixir, greater knowledge or reconciliation after a significant fall-out. A climactic ordeal awaits now as they commence the journey's final stage: the Return. The homeward path re-establishes the Central Dramatic Question in the form of another test or temptation that may provide a turning point. The Villain could have recovered the Elixir or an agonising internal decision must be made and this event will push the Hero back into the Ordinary World.
The last obstacle appears, serving as a crucial final proving ground, where the Hero faces the most dangerous meeting with death - the Resurrection. It can be a physical ordeal, a showdown between the Hero and the Shadow or an entire world may be at stake. Other allies may come to the last rescue to lend assistance, but the Hero himself will not be deprived of the sacrifice at hand. Successfully navigating this challenge, the Hero returns home, forever changed. They bring back with them the elixir of knowledge, growth and self-realisation, which is used to inspire and uplift their community, becoming a vessel of hope and representative of the collective capacity for courage, resilience and personal growth. As we navigate our own journeys in life, the Hero's Journey reminds us that within every challenge lies an opportunity for transformation and heroism.