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Spiritual Journey’s Similarity to the Hero’s Journey

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Encyclopedia of Heroism Studies

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Synonyms

Inner journey; Inner pilgrimage; Metaphysical journey; Path to awakening; Quest for enlightenment; Soul-searching voyage

Definition

The stages of the spiritual journey show striking parallels with the stages of the hero’s journey, as both involve a departure from the familiar into a realm of challenges and revelations. In the initial phase, there is a call to adventure or a spiritual awakening that disrupts the status quo, compelling the individual toward a quest. This leads to a crossing of the threshold, where one must confront trials and tribulations that test resolve, similar to the hero facing trials that build character. Central to both journeys is the attainment of knowledge and self-insight, often facilitated by mentors or guides who equip the traveler with new wisdom to face the ultimate ordeal or spiritual crisis. Triumph over this ordeal leads to a return or rebirth, where the individual, now transformed and enlightened, integrates the acquired wisdom into their...

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References

  • ———. 2024. Hagioptasia and heroism. In Encyclopedia of heroism studies, ed. S.T. Allison, J.K. Beggan, and G.R. Goethals. New York: Springer.

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  • Allison, S.T., G.R. Goethals, A.R. Marrinan, O.M. Parker, S.P. Spyrou, and M. Stein. 2019. The metamorphosis of the hero: Principles, processes, and purpose. Frontiers in Psychology 10: 606.

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  • Campbell, J. 1949. The hero with a thousand faces. New York: New World Library.

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  • ———. 1972. Myths to live by. New York: Viking Press.

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  • James, W. 1902. The varieties of religious experience. London: Longmans, Green & Co.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Richmond, Richmond, VA, USA

    Scott T. Allison

Authors
  1. Scott T. Allison
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Correspondence to Scott T. Allison .

Section Editor information

  1. Department of Sociology, University of Louisville, Louisville, USA

    James K. Beggan

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© 2024 Springer Nature Switzerland AG

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Allison, S.T. (2024). Spiritual Journey’s Similarity to the Hero’s Journey. In: Encyclopedia of Heroism Studies. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-17125-3_556-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-17125-3_556-1

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-031-17125-3

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-031-17125-3

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