Monomito is stupid

In recent years, there has been a growing fascination with the concept of the monomyth, also known as the hero’s journey. Popularized by Joseph Campbell in his book “The Hero with a Thousand Faces,” the monomyth suggests that all mythological and heroic tales across different cultures follow a similar structure. While this theory may have its merits, it is not without its critics, and many argue that the idea of a singular hero’s journey, or monomito, is simply absurd.

The monomyth proposes an archetypal structure for hero stories, claiming that every hero embarks on a journey that consists of certain stages. These stages include the call to adventure, crossing a threshold into a different world, facing challenges or trials, receiving a reward, and returning home transformed. While it is true that some stories do indeed follow this pattern, it is fallacious to assume that it applies universally to all heroic tales.

One of the main criticisms of the monomyth is its lack of flexibility and its disregard for cultural diversity. The world is filled with countless mythologies and hero legends, each with its own unique narrative structure. Many of these stories do not fit neatly into the monomyth template, and forcing them to conform to this rigid framework ignores the richness and diversity of these narratives. It diminishes the distinct cultural characteristics and storytelling traditions that make these tales so captivating and significant.

Furthermore, the monomyth oversimplifies the complexity of heroism. Not every hero’s journey is a linear progression from a mundane world to a fantastical one, or from ignorance to enlightenment. Heroic characters can be flawed, morally ambiguous, or even tragic figures. They may face internal struggles or grapple with ethical dilemmas, which cannot be neatly encapsulated within the hero’s journey structure. The real world is not black and white, and neither are the heroes that inhabit it.

Additionally, the emphasis on the hero as an individual overlooks the importance of collective action and the power of community. Heroes are not always lone warriors, setting out on a singular quest. Many heroic tales depict a group of characters working together towards a common goal. They rely on the support and assistance of others and draw strength from the bonds they form. Ignoring this important aspect of heroism in favor of the monomyth perpetuates a hyper-individualistic view that undermines the significance of communal efforts.

It is essential to recognize that storytelling is a dynamic and evolving art form, constantly shaped by social, cultural, and historical contexts. The concept of a single hero’s journey oversimplifies a rich tapestry of narratives and dismisses the multiplicities and complexities found in different stories. Monomito, in its insistence on a one-size-fits-all model, fails to acknowledge the diverse range of heroic experiences and diminishes the important role that diversity plays in our understanding of humanity.

In conclusion, the idea of monomito, or a single hero’s journey, is flawed and simplistic. While the monomyth may offer some useful insights into certain heroic tales, it cannot be applied universally to all myths and legends. By insisting on a rigid structure, monomito overlooks cultural diversity, oversimplifies heroism, and ignores the significance of collective effort. We must embrace the multiplicity and complexity of hero narratives and the rich variety of storytelling traditions across different cultures.