The Hero with a Thousand Faces (The Collected Works of Joseph Campbell)

by Joseph Campbel

Why do myths from vastly different cultures share strikingly similar themes? What is the universal journey that heroes—from Odysseus to Luke Skywalker—undertake across time and space? In The Hero with a Thousand Faces, renowned scholar Joseph Campbell explores the timeless structure of myth and storytelling, revealing what he calls the Hero’s Journey—a pattern found in myths, legends, and religious traditions worldwide. Blending psychology, anthropology, and literary analysis, Campbell uncovers the deep-rooted, archetypal path of the hero, from the Call to Adventure to the Final Transformation. Drawing from the works of Carl Jung and Sigmund Freud, Campbell argues that myths are not just stories but reflections of the human psyche, offering guidance on personal growth, transformation, and the search for meaning. His groundbreaking insights have influenced countless storytellers, including George Lucas, whose Star Wars saga was directly inspired by Campbell’s work. Both a scholarly masterpiece and a roadmap for anyone seeking to understand myth, culture, and personal development, The Hero with a Thousand Faces remains one of the most influential books on mythology ever written.