Accept Your Call to Adventure

Now playing in theaters is a simply presented tale about a hero and his adventures on the journey to save his known world. Classic archetypes play out predictably against the pleasing backdrop of the modern day alchemy of special effects and the natural lands of Canada and Hungary.

The scholar, Joseph Campbell, taught that first fundamental step in a developing Hero archetypal mythology is the call to adventure. The hero has the free will to choose whether or not to accept the adventure or quest (although there is usually some suffering that comes as a consequence for denying destiny).Obviously, our hero in eragon accepts his challenge or the story would have been a dull one about a farm boy rather than a fantasy with a ferocious dragon.

Our hero accepts his call upon the death of his uncle. His new protective caretaker sets fire to the only home the boy has ever known to hasten Eragon’s departure from the dangers now present to the hero. The archetypical scene plays out beautifully, sticking in my mind and prompting this post. Eragon turns and looks back to see the homestead engulfed in flames. It is here that the hero makes his choice to accept and the burning farm signals there will be no turning back, no refuge to found in the past.

Campbell further instructed that after the call to adventure comes a road of trials, whereupon if he is successful, there is an achievement of some goal (boon) that is beneficial when he returns to his world and applies the boon so that world is improved.

This story seems poignant at this time in my life because of my family’s acceptance of our call to San Antonio. The mythology of the Hero plays out before us unendingly because it is a story of humanity. We will all face calls to adventure and we are likely to encounter suffering if we choose not to accept or face things that scare us if we choose to accept. But take heart that the hero is never on his journey alone. There are caretakers, guardians, special tools, supernatural helpers, and a god or goddess to help along the way so that the hero may reach a higher consciousness and bring about the good that improves lives for his entire community.

Make preparations to be ready for the adventure that lies ahead. Develop your courage, discipline and skills. Fulfill your destiny so that you and all those around may enjoy a world transformed.

Hero With A Thousand Faces Joseph Campbell

Awakening The Heroes Within Carol S Pearson