Joseph Campbell (1904–1987) was an American mythologist, writer, and lecturer best known for his work in comparative mythology and religion. He is most famous for his concept of the "monomyth," or "the hero's journey," which outlines a common narrative pattern found in myths and stories across cultures and time periods. This framework typically involves stages such as the call to adventure, the hero's journey into the unknown, facing trials, achieving victory, and returning transformed.
Campbell's influential work includes The Hero with a Thousand Faces, published in 1949, where he explores the universal themes and archetypes present in myths from different cultures. He also collaborated with filmmaker George Lucas, whose Star Wars saga drew heavily on Campbell's ideas about storytelling and myth.
In addition to his scholarly contributions, Campbell was a popular speaker and educator, giving lectures that attracted large audiences. His work has had a lasting impact on literature, film, and psychology, and he remains a significant figure in the study of mythology and the analysis of narratives.
