Hercules: The Hero's Monomyth

Many know about the idea of the "monomyth," or the hero's journey as an outline for many of our modern books, movies, t.v. series, etc. Joseph Campbell's definition for the hero's journey is, "the quintessential (or best example) of an archetypal myth." The Disney film Hercules is one of the best examples of Joseph Campbell's monomyth. For instance step one of the hero's journey outline is the Ordinary world. Hercules was born the son to Zeus and Hero. He was a God and the two servants of Hades, "Pain and Panic," kidnapped him as an infant from his bassinet in order to kill him without being stopped. Little does Hades know they didn't really kill Hercules, they only turned him into a mortal human. In order not to get caught, they leave him,

Joseph Campbell's states, "Not infrequently, the supernatural helper is masculine in form." (59) Which is this case is true. Hercules supernatural aid is indeed a male. When Hercules first arrives, Phil refuses to train Hercules based on his past disappointments and numerous failures as a trainer. Phil wants to be recognized by the gods as a great trainer and his life long failure turned him to retirement. Until Hercules convinces him to come out of retirement and train him because he can prove himself to be a great hero. This is proof of a turning point, Hercules is in desperate need of some direction so he can return to his true home with the Gods. Whatever Phil provides will serve him is his journey, it will give him the strength needed to begin his quest to becoming a God once again. This exhibits the proper explanation of the fourth step of Campbell's definition of the Monomyth. Another significant as well as final step is The Return

He is welcomed with open arms by his father and mother to stay and be with the Gods but denies to stay on Earth with Meg, the woman he loves. Hercules is a true hero and now must return home back to the ordinary world of Thebes, a changed man. The journey he faced not only changed him but gained him so much knowledge, faced Hades terrible dangers and even death on more than one occasion. Hercules looks forward to living his new life with Meg as a mortal man. He has a new hope and understanding of who he is as a person. Not only did Hercules change history but he changed many others perspective on life. With hero's journey having ended, he is given his final reward. His father, Zeus, creates a picture of Hercules in the stars in order to commemorate his true heroism. Things for Hercules will never be the same again. In conclusion, countless people know of Joseph Campbell's definition of a Monomyth. We see the hero's journey outline everywhere in our modern books and movies. Hercules, in the opinion of many, happens to be one of the best examples of Campbell's definition of a