2.2 Call to adventure

The call to adventure is a pivotal moment in storytelling, marking the hero's departure from the familiar into the unknown. This universal narrative element traces its roots to ancient myths and reflects deep psychological patterns of growth and transformation.

Across cultures and time periods, the call to adventure serves as a catalyst for character development and plot progression. It symbolizes the human journey of self-discovery, challenging protagonists to leave their comfort zones and face new challenges that will ultimately lead to personal growth.

Origins of call to adventure

• Traces roots to ancient storytelling traditions across cultures, serving as a universal narrative element
• Represents the moment when a protagonist leaves their familiar world and embarks on a transformative journey
• Connects to the broader study of myth and literature by illustrating common patterns in human storytelling

Mythological roots

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• Emerges from creation myths and hero tales in ancient civilizations (Greek, Norse, Egyptian)
• Reflects societal values and beliefs about personal growth and communal responsibility
• Often involves divine intervention or supernatural events triggering the hero's departure
• Includes archetypal figures like tricksters or messengers who initiate the call

Psychological significance

• Symbolizes the unconscious mind's push for individuation and self-realization
• Represents a critical stage in personal development and maturation
• Mirrors real-life transitions and challenges individuals face throughout their lives
• Taps into universal human desires for adventure, purpose, and self-discovery

Cultural variations

• Manifests differently across cultures based on societal norms and values
• May involve spiritual quests in some cultures (vision quests in Native American traditions)
• Can be tied to coming-of-age rituals or rites of passage in tribal societies
• Reflects the specific challenges and aspirations of different cultural contexts
• Varies in its emphasis on individual vs. collective goals depending on cultural orientation

Hero's journey framework

• Provides a structural template for analyzing myths, legends, and modern narratives
• Illuminates recurring patterns in storytelling across diverse cultures and time periods
• Offers insights into the universal human experience of growth and transformation

Campbell's monomyth structure

• Outlines a cyclical journey consisting of departure, initiation, and return
• Identifies the call to adventure as the crucial first step in the hero's journey
• Emphasizes the transformative nature of the journey for both hero and society
• Includes stages such as crossing the threshold, trials, and the ultimate boon
• Connects individual growth to larger cosmic or societal patterns

Stages before the call

• Establishes the ordinary world and the hero's initial status quo
• Introduces the hero's character, flaws, and potential for growth
• Sets up the conflict or imbalance that necessitates the journey
• May include foreshadowing or subtle hints of the impending call
• Creates contrast to highlight the significance of the upcoming adventure

Refusal of the call

• Represents the hero's initial reluctance or fear of the unknown
• Serves to heighten dramatic tension and emphasize the challenge ahead
• Often stems from the hero's attachment to their current life or self-doubt
• Can be overcome through external pressure, internal motivation, or circumstances
• Demonstrates the internal struggle between comfort and necessary growth

Literary examples

• Illustrates the pervasive nature of the call to adventure across literary genres and periods
• Provides concrete examples for analysis and comparison in myth and literature studies
• Demonstrates how the concept adapts to different cultural and historical contexts

Classical mythology

• Perseus receiving the task to slay Medusa from King Polydectes
• Odysseus being called to the Trojan War, leaving Ithaca and Penelope behind
• Jason assembling the Argonauts for the quest of the Golden Fleece
• Theseus volunteering to face the Minotaur in the labyrinth
• Psyche's journey beginning with Cupid's love and Venus's impossible tasks

Fairy tales

• Snow White fleeing into the forest to escape the Evil Queen's jealousy
• Cinderella receiving the invitation to the royal ball from her Fairy Godmother
• Jack climbing the beanstalk to explore the giant's realm in the sky
• Little Red Riding Hood venturing into the woods to visit her grandmother
• Hansel and Gretel being abandoned in the forest, leading to their encounter with the witch

Modern literature

• Bilbo Baggins recruited by Gandalf for the dwarves' quest in "The Hobbit"
• Harry Potter receiving his Hogwarts letter in "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone"
• Katniss Everdeen volunteering as tribute in "The Hunger Games"
• Paul Atreides moving to Arrakis with his family in "Dune"
• Lyra Belacqua following Lord Asriel to the North in "The Golden Compass"

Symbolic representations

• Embodies abstract concepts and psychological processes in tangible narrative elements
• Enhances the depth and universality of stories by tapping into shared human experiences
• Allows for multiple layers of interpretation and analysis in literary studies

Threshold guardians

• Represent the obstacles and fears that must be overcome to begin the journey
• Often appear as menacing figures or challenges at the boundary of the known world
• Test the hero's resolve and readiness for the adventure ahead
• Can transform into allies or mentors once the hero proves their worth
• Symbolize the psychological barriers that prevent personal growth and change

Supernatural aid

• Manifests as magical objects, abilities, or divine intervention that assist the hero
• Represents the unconscious resources or hidden strengths within the individual
• Often appears after the hero has committed to the journey or faced initial challenges
• Can take the form of talismans, weapons, or special knowledge (Excalibur, Golden Snitch)
• Symbolizes the support systems and inner resources needed for personal transformation

Mentors and guides

• Embody wisdom, experience, and guidance for the hero's journey
• Provide crucial information, training, or motivation to prepare the hero
• Often have a personal history or connection to the adventure's goal
• Can appear in various forms (wise elders, animals, spirits, or even adversaries)
• Represent the accumulated knowledge and support needed for personal growth
• Examples include Merlin for King Arthur, Obi-Wan Kenobi for Luke Skywalker

Psychological interpretations

• Explores the deeper psychological significance of the call to adventure in storytelling
• Connects narrative patterns to fundamental aspects of human psychology and development
• Offers insights into how stories reflect and shape our understanding of personal growth

Jungian archetypes

• Links the call to adventure with the activation of archetypal figures in the psyche
• Identifies the hero archetype as representing the individual's journey toward self-realization
• Associates the mentor figure with the wise old man or woman archetype
• Connects the threshold guardian to the shadow aspect of the personality
• Relates the overall journey to the process of individuation and self-discovery

Personal growth metaphors

• Interprets the call as a metaphor for life transitions and personal challenges
• Represents the need to leave one's comfort zone to achieve growth and self-actualization
• Symbolizes the internal struggle between stagnation and the desire for change
• Reflects the universal human experience of facing fears and embracing the unknown
• Illustrates the transformative power of accepting and overcoming life's challenges

Collective unconscious

• Suggests that the call to adventure taps into shared human experiences and instincts
• Explains the universal appeal of hero's journey narratives across cultures
• Connects individual stories to broader patterns of human psychological development
• Proposes that myths and stories emerge from a shared reservoir of human experiences
• Highlights how personal growth often mirrors collective human evolutionary patterns

Narrative functions

• Examines the structural and thematic roles of the call to adventure in storytelling
• Demonstrates how this element contributes to effective narrative construction
• Illustrates the interconnection between plot development and character growth

Plot catalyst

• Initiates the main conflict or quest that drives the story forward
• Creates a clear turning point that separates the ordinary world from the adventure
• Establishes the central goal or mission that the protagonist must pursue
• Introduces key elements of the story's premise and setting
• Sets expectations for the scale and nature of the challenges ahead

Character development

• Reveals the protagonist's initial state, including strengths, weaknesses, and desires
• Challenges the hero's existing beliefs and comfort zone, forcing growth
• Establishes the potential for character arc and transformation
• Introduces internal conflicts and personal stakes for the protagonist
• Sets up opportunities for the character to face fears and overcome limitations

World-building tool

• Introduces readers to the broader world or universe beyond the protagonist's initial setting
• Establishes the rules, magic systems, or technologies unique to the story's world
• Hints at the scope and complexity of the adventure to come
• Creates contrast between the familiar and the unknown, enhancing the sense of wonder
• Provides a framework for exploring themes and conflicts central to the story's world

Call to adventure vs ordinary world

• Highlights the crucial transition point in the hero's journey narrative structure
• Emphasizes the contrast between stability and change in storytelling and personal growth
• Provides a framework for analyzing character motivation and plot development

Contrast and tension

• Creates a stark juxtaposition between the hero's familiar environment and the unknown
• Heightens dramatic tension by introducing elements of risk and uncertainty
• Establishes the stakes and potential consequences of accepting or refusing the call
• Illuminates the hero's current limitations and the potential for growth
• Generates reader/audience engagement through anticipation of the impending change

Comfort zone disruption

• Forces the protagonist to confront the limitations of their current situation
• Challenges established routines, relationships, and self-perceptions
• Introduces external pressures or internal realizations that demand change
• Represents the universal experience of facing life-altering decisions or events
• Illustrates the psychological resistance to change and the fear of the unknown

Internal vs external calls

• Distinguishes between calls originating from external events and internal motivations
• External calls may involve direct challenges, invitations, or sudden changes in circumstances
• Internal calls can stem from personal dissatisfaction, dreams, or a sense of destiny
• Explores the interplay between societal expectations and individual desires
• Demonstrates how personal growth often requires aligning internal and external motivations

Contemporary applications

• Explores how the call to adventure concept adapts to modern storytelling mediums
• Illustrates the enduring relevance of this narrative element in contemporary culture
• Demonstrates the flexibility and universality of the hero's journey framework

Film and television adaptations

• Translates the call to adventure into visual and auditory storytelling techniques
• Utilizes cinematography, music, and special effects to enhance the impact of the call
• Adapts classic stories and creates new narratives built around the hero's journey structure
• Examples include Luke Skywalker receiving Princess Leia's message in "Star Wars"
• Explores how serialized storytelling in TV shows can extend or complicate the call

Video game narratives

• Incorporates the call to adventure as a key element in game design and storytelling
• Allows players to experience the hero's journey firsthand through interactive gameplay
• Uses tutorials, opening sequences, or inciting incidents to initiate the player's quest
• Balances narrative elements with player agency and choice in responding to the call
• Examples include the opening sequences of RPGs like "The Legend of Zelda" or "Skyrim"

Real-life personal journeys

• Applies the concept of the call to adventure to personal development and life coaching
• Encourages individuals to identify and respond to opportunities for growth and change
• Frames major life transitions (career changes, relationships, travel) as heroic journeys
• Utilizes the hero's journey framework in motivational speaking and self-help literature
• Explores how social media and digital platforms create new forms of personal quests

Cultural significance

• Examines how the call to adventure reflects and shapes cultural values and norms
• Explores the role of heroic narratives in societal development and individual identity
• Illustrates the interplay between storytelling traditions and cultural practices

Rites of passage

• Connects the call to adventure with cultural initiation rituals and coming-of-age ceremonies
• Explores how different societies mark the transition from childhood to adulthood
• Examines the role of challenges and quests in proving one's readiness for adult responsibilities
• Compares literary representations of the call with real-world rites of passage
• Discusses how modern societies adapt or replace traditional rites of passage

Societal expectations

• Analyzes how the call to adventure reflects cultural values and expected life paths
• Explores the tension between individual desires and societal norms in heroic narratives
• Examines how different cultures define heroism and worthy quests
• Discusses the role of gender, class, and cultural background in shaping the call
• Considers how societal expectations have evolved over time in relation to heroic journeys

Individualism vs collectivism

• Compares how the call to adventure manifests in individualistic vs collectivist cultures
• Explores the balance between personal growth and community responsibility in heroic quests
• Examines how different cultural contexts emphasize or downplay individual heroism
• Discusses the role of family, community, and society in supporting or hindering the hero's journey
• Considers how globalization affects the interpretation and reception of heroic narratives

Critical analysis

• Applies contemporary critical perspectives to the concept of the call to adventure
• Challenges traditional interpretations and explores new dimensions of this narrative element
• Encourages a more nuanced and inclusive understanding of heroic journeys in literature

Gender perspectives

• Examines how the call to adventure differs for male and female protagonists in literature
• Explores the historical limitations and stereotypes in heroic narratives for women
• Analyzes contemporary works that subvert or reimagine gendered hero's journeys
• Discusses the impact of feminist criticism on the interpretation of classic hero tales
• Considers non-binary and LGBTQ+ perspectives on the call to adventure

Cultural appropriation concerns

• Addresses issues of cultural borrowing and misrepresentation in hero's journey narratives
• Examines the ethics of adapting mythological elements from marginalized cultures
• Discusses the importance of authenticity and respect in cross-cultural storytelling
• Explores the power dynamics involved in who gets to tell and profit from certain stories
• Considers strategies for responsible and inclusive approaches to mythological adaptation

Subversion in postmodern literature

• Analyzes how contemporary authors challenge or deconstruct the traditional call to adventure
• Explores metafictional approaches that comment on the hero's journey structure itself
• Examines works that present anti-heroes or reluctant protagonists who resist the call
• Discusses the role of irony, pastiche, and intertextuality in reimagining heroic narratives
• Considers how postmodern literature reflects changing attitudes toward heroism and quests