Dr. J. Taylormythology Hero Papers Fall 2004

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Dr. J. TaylorMythology Hero Papers Fall 2004

Hero Writing Assignment requirements:

The focus of the 4-page paper portion as well as the visual portion of this project will be an application of Joseph Campbell’s Hero Cycle to the story of a hero (the one chosen by your group). Find out as much of the hero’s quest as possible preferably in summary form (I don’t recommend trying to read an epic like the Odyssey if you have Odysseus. Read a summary of his adventures in a Classical Mythology book). After you have found one really good summary or version of your hero’s myth, apply Campbell’s Hero Cycle to the myth of your hero. Joseph Campbell developed the Hero Cycle or pattern (see separate handout on the Hero Cycle) after studying myths of heroes from around the world. According to him, every hero myth fits the pattern. You are testing his theory by applying the pattern to the myth of your hero. Consider whether your hero’s myth fits the pattern as outlined by Campbell. Is it an exact fit? How does it differ?

THE PAPER’S GOAL: Find at least six subcategories from the main categories of Departure, Initiation, and Return in the myth of your hero.

HOW THAT BREAKS DOWN: I would like you to find at least six subcategories, ideally two from each of the main categories: Departure, Initiation, and Return. However, some of the heroes do not fit into the Return Category because they die. If that is the case for your hero, you can divide the six subcategories up between Departure and Initiation. The Goal is six subcategories divided between the three main categories. Remember that the Departure category is just about getting away from home, while the main portion of the myth ought to fit into the Initiation category’s subcategories.

Focus on key events that either do or do not fit the cycle and include those events as examples in your paper and presentation. Be sure to explain how/why the events do or do not meet the criteria of Joseph Campbell’s Hero Cycle. This information should be worked into the Thesis Statement.

There may be some overlap between subcategories. For example, an event may be part of the Road of Trials, but it also may fit under Meeting with the Goddess or Woman as Temptress.

Whichever subcategories you choose, those six will become part of your Thesis Statement in the Introduction to your paper along with some general background about your Hero and Joseph Campbell’s Hero Cycle.

Example of Thesis Statement: The Epic of Gilgamesh, while not strictly adhering to Campbell’s Hero Cycle, does contain enough elements of that cycle to decisively call Gilgamesh a Hero. These elements include from Departure: (choose two of the subcategories), from Initiation: (choose two of the subcategories), and from Return: (choose two of the subcategories).

You only need one source for the hero’s story. Please use a scholarly, academic, or literary source unless otherwise approved.