"The Call to Adventure" is the initial stage in the Hero's Journey, a narrative framework identified by Joseph Campbell in "The Hero with a Thousand Faces" (1949) and further popularized in various storytelling contexts. This stage marks the moment when the hero is invited to leave their familiar world and engage in a new, often dangerous, quest.
In this step, the hero encounters a challenge or a change that disrupts their ordinary life, prompting them to consider embarking on a transformative journey. This call can come in various forms, such as a personal crisis, a revelation, or an external event that presents an opportunity for growth or adventure. The call often highlights the hero's limitations in their current situation, signaling that they are meant for something greater.
For example, in the classic tale of "The Hobbit," Bilbo Baggins receives his call to adventure when Gandalf and the dwarves arrive at his doorstep, seeking a burglar to help them reclaim their homeland from the dragon Smaug. Bilbo's initial reluctance emphasizes his comfort in the mundane life of the Shire, but the call ultimately pushes him towards self-discovery and bravery (Campbell, 1949).
This concept resonates not just in mythology and literature but also in modern storytelling, as it establishes the foundation for character development and thematic exploration. As heroes respond to their call, they often face internal conflicts and external challenges that propel them toward transformation, embodying the journey of growth and self-realization.
In summation, "The Call to Adventure" serves as a crucial turning point that sets the hero on their path, catalyzing the events that follow in their quest. Different stories may present this call uniquely, but its core purpose remains the same: to disrupt the ordinary and challenge the hero to embrace the unknown.
Reference: Campbell, J. (1949). The Hero with a Thousand Faces. Princeton University Press.