The monomyth, or the hero’s journey, is a common narrative archetype that involves a hero who goes on an adventure, faces a decisive crisis, and comes back changed or transformed.

This concept was popularized by Joseph Campbell in his book, ‘The Hero with a Thousand Faces.’

The monomyth can be seen in many classic and modern stories, including ‘The Lord of the Rings,’ where Frodo Baggins leaves home, faces various challenges, and returns fundamentally changed.

Star Wars is a classic Hero’s Journey story.

The Wizard of Oz is, too.

Understanding the monomyth can enhance your ability to craft compelling narratives, whether in writing, film, or even marketing. It provides a proven structure that resonates deeply with human psychology, offering a journey that audiences find universally engaging.

But … the monomyth has TWELVE parts to it. If your speech is instructional or short, or contains several sections that each include their own stories, you might choose a less complicated story structure.

Hero’s Journey storytelling tends to produce epic narratives—and if you’re speaking about DEI, employee retention, or leadership, a more practical approach might be more engaging.