Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

monomyth

noun

/ˈmɒnəˌmɪθ/

Definition

A monomyth is a narrative structure that is common to many myths and stories around the world, characterized by a hero’s journey that involves a series of stages such as departure, initiation, and return.

Examples

The story of Frodo in ‘The Lord of the Rings’ is a classic example of the monomyth, where he leaves the Shire, faces trials, and ultimately returns home changed.
Many films, like ‘Star Wars,’ use the monomyth structure to depict the hero’s transformative journey.

Meaning

The term monomyth, popularized by Joseph Campbell in his book ‘The Hero with a Thousand Faces,’ refers to a universal pattern found in myths that illustrates the heroic journey.