Greek Mythology Community

Did the Hero's Journey originate in Greek Mythology?

1 - 2 of 2 Posts
ssherie_

ssherie_

Active member
I’ve been reading more about the Hero’s Journey lately—it’s everywhere in fiction, movies, and even self-help books. It got me wondering: did this storytelling framework actually originate in Greek mythology?

When you look at the lives of heroes like Odysseus, Hercules, Perseus, or even Theseus, they all seem to follow that classic pattern: a call to adventure, trials, transformation, and return. But did the ancient Greeks consciously structure their myths this way, or are we just applying a modern lens (like Joseph Campbell’s) to something much older?

I’m curious if anyone here has thoughts on whether Greek mythology was the true origin of the Hero’s Journey, or if similar patterns show up in other cultures too. Why do you think this formula still resonates today—enough to be used in self-development books and personal growth programs?
 
Great question! While the Hero’s Journey wasn’t consciously outlined by the ancient Greeks, their myths absolutely reflect its structure—which is likely why Joseph Campbell used stories like The Odyssey and The Labors of Hercules as key examples in The Hero with a Thousand Faces. The Greeks didn’t have a formalized “monomyth” concept, but their storytelling naturally followed arcs of transformation: the hero leaves the known world, faces trials, gains insight or power, and returns changed. That pattern is also seen in myths from Egypt, Mesopotamia, India, and beyond.

I think the reason it resonates so deeply, even in modern self-help, is that it mirrors our psychological growth. We all go through inner “journeys” where we’re challenged, changed, and hopefully return wiser. Greek mythology didn’t invent the Hero’s Journey, but it gave us some of the most enduring versions ... and those stories still speak to universal truths about courage, failure, growth, and return.
 
1 - 2 of 2 Posts
You must log in or register to reply here.

JOIN THE DISCUSSION AND READ OTHER GREEK INFO:

Who really started the Trojan War?

We all know the story—Paris took Helen, Menelaus wanted her back, and the Greeks launched a massive invasion of Troy. But who is really to blame for starting the war?

Was it Paris, for choosing Aphrodite’s bribe and taking Helen, knowing it would cause conflict? Or Menelaus and Agamemnon, who may have used Helen’s abduction as an excuse for war and expansion? What about Helen—did she go willingly, or was she taken against her will?

And then there are the gods. Would any of this have happened if Eris hadn’t thrown the golden apple and sparked the argument between Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite? Maybe Zeus had a role, too—some myths say he wanted to reduce the human population through war.

So, who do you think is truly responsible for the Trojan War? Was it fate, ambition, or just a series of bad choices?

Perseus and the Gorgon - Myth Information

I’ve been diving into Greek mythology lately, and one story that keeps catching my attention is the myth of Perseus and the Gorgons — especially Medusa.

I know the basic outline: Perseus is sent on a quest to bring back Medusa’s head, he receives help from the gods (like Athena and Hermes), and he manages to behead her by using a reflective shield so he won’t turn to stone. Then he escapes using winged sandals and later uses Medusa’s head as a weapon.

But beyond that, I realize I don’t know much about the deeper meaning or variations of the story. Were the other Gorgons, Stheno and Euryale, involved much in ancient sources? Was the myth originally meant to be a heroic tale, or did it have symbolic meaning for ancient Greeks?

Why was Hera looked at harshly in some of the Greek myths?

I've been diving into Greek mythology lately, and one thing keeps bothering me—why is Hera, the queen of the gods, often portrayed so negatively? She's constantly described as jealous, vengeful, and petty, especially in stories involving Zeus’s infidelities. She's vilified! He was the one who kept cheating...

But considering she was the goddess of marriage and family, it feels like her role should have been more empowering or noble?

Is this portrayal reflective of ancient Greek attitudes toward women and marriage? Was she vilified because she represented a kind of authority or power that made people uncomfortable? Or is it just a way to highlight Zeus's escapades while blaming the consequences on her?

Would love to hear your thoughts. Do you think Hera has been unfairly treated in myth, or was her character simply a reflection of the dynamics the ancient Greeks saw in divine relationships?

Unsung Heroes of Greek Mythology?

Greek mythology is full of larger-than-life figures like Heracles, Odysseus, and Achilles, but I’ve always been fascinated by the lesser-known heroes who don’t get as much attention. There are so many incredible stories that fly under the radar: Meleager and the Calydonian Boar, Bellerophon taming Pegasus, or even Diomedes, who faced the gods themselves in battle.

I recently came across the story of Atalanta again, the only woman among the Argonauts, raised by a bear, unbeatable in a footrace, and I can’t believe she isn’t talked about more! These “side characters” often feel more human and relatable than the famous ones.

Which lesser-known hero (or heroine) stands out to you? Do you have a favorite overlooked myth or backstory that deserves more love? I’d love to hear which of these hidden legends captured your imagination and why.

Exploring the Myth of How Winter Began

Have you ever wondered how winter came to be, according to Greek mythology? One of the most beautiful and bittersweet stories from ancient Greece explains the changing seasons and the origin of winter through the myth of Demeter and Persephone.

The story goes that Hades, god of the underworld, abducted Persephone, the beloved daughter of Demeter, goddess of agriculture. In her grief, Demeter caused the earth to wither and grow barren, plunging the world into a harsh, cold season. Zeus eventually intervened, and a compromise was reached: Persephone would spend part of the year with her mother and the rest in the underworld as Hades’ queen.

When Persephone returns to Demeter, the earth blossoms into spring and summer. But when she descends to the underworld, Demeter mourns, and winter grips the land. This myth beautifully intertwines natural cycles with divine emotions. What are your thoughts on this story?
Share and discuss Greek mythology!

WorldwideGreeks.com is a free online forum community where people can discuss Greek food, travel, traditions, history and mythology.
Join Worldwide Greeks here!

JOIN COMMUNITY FOR FREE

LOGIN TO YOUR ACCOUNT
Back
Top