What is an epic hero cycle, what does conceit and archetypes mean, and what is elevated laungage?
The “hero cycle” is Joseph Campbell’s representation of the hero’s adventure, abstracted from hundreds of the world’s mythologies. The hero cycle is a going and returning, which occurs in four phases: 1. First there is the call to adventure, with the possibility of a helper (think of Luke Skywalker called by R2D2, and assisted by Obi Wan Kenobi and the robots). 2. Second there is the crossing, with tests and more helpers (the death of Luke’s aunt and uncle, and the appearance of more helpers – Hans Solo and Chewbacca). 3. Third there is the supreme ordeal (Luke’s confrontation with his father, Darth Vader). 4. Fourth there is the return, with a possible boon to the hero’s people (Luke destroys the Death Star, the rebel alliance is saved).
