In his 1949 book, The Hero with a Thousand Faces, writer Joseph Campbell introduced a basic narrative pattern that has captivated scholars of narrative and literature for the last 60 years. This common template can be seen in thousands of popular stories, myths, fables and legends:

“A hero ventures forth from the world of common day into a region of supernatural wonder: fabulous forces are there encountered and a decisive victory is won: the hero comes back from this mysterious adventure with the power to bestow boons on his fellow man.”

Stories included in this episode: 

How Jack Got to America

Jack, that archetypal hero of lengend, fairy tale, fable, and nursery rhyme, is one hero with a thousand faces. Jack tales are popular in Appalachian folklore which is a tradition that Octavia Sexton knows like the back of her hand. To learn more about Octavia visit www.octaviasexton.com

Pecos Bill

Many epic tall tales have key elements of the hero’s journey that transforms a mere protagonist into a great hero: the call to adventure, the aid of the supernatural, the loyal helper, the wise mentor, revelation, transformation, and the return to their world better than they once were. See if you can recognize some of those elements in the story of this great American Tall Tale by Jim Weiss. To learn more about Jim Weiss visit www.jimweiss.com

David's Hero Journey

Now, heroes come in all shapes and sizes, and from all walks of life. Heroes’ Journeys happen just as much in fiction as they do in real life. Just ask David Boyle, fellow member of the BYUradio family, who shared a short story with us that we think is packed with heroic elements.

Thakane the Brave: How It Should Be

At the end of the hero’s journey, the hero always brings some magic back with them to make themselves, and even their fellows, a little better. The shape of a hero's journey comes in all shapes and sizes. To learn more about Charlotte Blake Alston visit www.charlotteblakealston.com