The Hero with a Thousand Faces is one of the most insightful works of Joseph Campbell. It is based on the mythological aspects that revolve around the archetype of the hero across the world. There are many different facets and theories that are being discussed in The Hero With A Thousand Faces by Joseph Campbell. It is a very unique book, and you need to have a lot of prior understanding of literature to get the gist of its knowledge. So, let’s discuss more about the title and learn what makes this book one of the best works of the 20th century.
Book Analysis: The Hero With A Thousand Faces by Joseph Campbell
The author takes on the question of the hero’s journey and lays the case for it from many different aspects. Whether it’s the Christian, Buddhist or Hindu tales of beliefs, Campbell’s excellent knowledge about other religions makes this book potent. Moreover, he poses questions around the hero’s journey, which he deliberately answers using logic and reasoning. It’s not the same as the scientific methods of facts, but there are instances where you can see the truth of the statements. But for that, you need to have a lot of knowledge in the field since there are dozens of references in different texts.
“It has always been the prime function of mythology and rite to supply the symbols that carry the human spirit forward, in counteraction to those that tend to tie it back.”
More About The Hero With A Thousand Faces by Joseph Campbell
The book breaks down the hero’s journey into parts. These make up the different chapters of the book, where each one is thoroughly discussed. Even though Campbell is using ancient archetypes for laying down his case, he also included various dogmas around the world/tradition. This shows there is more similarity than difference when you talk about the story of the human condition. It is a powerful work in a sense, as it’s more uniting than any of the conventions which are attended by the representatives of the nation.
“The problem of the hero is to pierce himself (and therewith his world) precisely through that point; to shatter and annihilate that key knot of his limited existence.”
Insights About the Hero Myth
The hero myth starts with a realisation that delves further into leaving the safe walls. Further up on the way, the hero faces trouble, and he overcomes those fears and tribulations through the favour of the gods. Then he returned and completed it. This is a general simplification of the myth. However, in the book, it’s much more complex and profound. You might reread the title to get more insights or clear the doubts about the speculations or arguments.
“What does the soul truly want is a story”
Archetypes and More
In psychology, archetypes are one of the most important and mentioned topics. These might be superficial in reality, but their truthfulness passes the material realm of human existence. It’s as if these archetypes exist in the shadows of the human consciousness. And in order to realise one’s hero journey, you have to tap into the subconscious while realising the different characters of your life.
- Hero.
- Mentor.
- Ally.
- Herald.
- Trickster.
- Shapshifter.
- Guardian.
- Shadow.
The Ancient Wisdom Curates Hero’s Outline
The wisdom in the stories and myths defines the path and confinement of the hero. But in a way, it also guides the individual on the path of righteousness and liberation. It’s as if the myths and wisdoms are simultaneously working with one another. Moreover, you don’t learn about your life until you’re ready to dive into the depths of darkness. And for it, you not only need wisdom but the ability to differentiate between the moral codes.
“The problem of the theologian is to keep his symbol translucent, so that it may not block out the very light it is supposed to convey.”
Modern World and Disappearing Hero
In the modern world, individuals are detached from the spiritual realms or myths. Everything is so materialistic that it has given rise to moral relativism. It is similar to a broken compass, as you can’t navigate through when your fundamentals about mortality are not clear. Furthermore, today people are acknowledging the stuff that goes on in the psyche, which ultimately makes them unhappy and far from their own archetypal growth of journeys.
“It is, indeed, very little that we need! But lacking that, the adventure into the labyrinth is without hope.”
A Hard Read for Beginners
As a beginner, The Hero With A Thousand Faces is not an easy read. You need to have a knowledge of so many different myths, stories, cultures, religions, psychology and even philosophy. That’s why it’s not an easy read for many people. Nevertheless, it is one of those books that you can visit again and again in life. Each time, you’ll find something worth your time and life.
“The contemplation of the life thus should be undertaken as a meditation on one’s own immanent divinity, not as a prelude to precise imitation, the lesson being, not “Do thus and be good,” but “Know this and be God.”
Very Nice Visuals In The Book!
Apart from the words, the book also culminates a lot of in-depth research regarding the ancient worlds and civilisations. You can find a lot of fascinating photographs of myths, sculptures, theories and acts. This makes the book more enjoyable and comprehensible regarding the topic. Also, it helps you to turn pages faster and feel good about yourself and your reading speed.
“The dreamer is a distinguished operatic artist, and, like all who have elected to follow, not the safely marked general highways of the day, but the adventure of the special, dimly audible call that comes to those whose ears are open within as well as without”
Why You Should Read The Hero With A Thousand Faces by Joseph Campbell?
You have to read this book not because it’s good but because you need it. Every time you read The Hero With A Thousand Faces, you stumble upon things that you need to hear but no one says aloud. And even though it is a tough read, it can give more information about the world than any other modern literature. So, grab a copy and enjoy your time to gain more knowledge about this crazy world in which we live and die!
“For the bliss of the deep abode is not lightly abandoned in favor of the self-scattering of the wakened state,”
Note: All the quotes are from the book.