Upwey Eights

For our next piece of work we will be studying storytelling & mythology. The Hero’s Journey is an ancient story motif. The earliest known written text is the Hero’s Journey of Gilgamesh that comes to us from about 2750-2500 BC from Ancient Sumeria. The Hero’s Journey is such a powerful myth that it has been incorporated into virtually every culture that has existed. From Beowulf to Luke Skywalker, from Theseus to Neo we have been enthralled by the challenges our heroes face, and we cheer at their victory.

     A hero is defined by Joseph Campbell as “someone who has given his life to something bigger than himself.” The hero may set off on the adventure intentionally, like Beowulf or Sir Gawain, or the hero may be thrown into the adventure. However, the hero is always prepared for the journey. The hero’s life lessons have prepared him/her for the trials that will be faced while on the journey. See how many books TV shows and movies you can think of which fit into this category and say why you think each one does.