The Monomyth or The Hero's Journey... Fourth Grade in a Nutshell

Today we discussed the structure of the Monomyth or the Hero's Journey as described by Joseph Campbell in his book The Hero With a Thousand Faces, written in 1949.  Mr. Campbell discovered a common pattern in hero stories throughout history including Greek Mythology,  The Odyssey, and other famous hero stories.  He cited commonalities amongst the stories and developed an outline.  This outline is still used today in modern storytelling. Star Wars, The Hunger Games, Percy Jackson and Harry Potter each have elements of the hero's journey evident in their storylines.  As we read our book, Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH, be on the look out for these heroic elements.  Be prepared to identify them as we have our discussions.

The Journey of Fourth Grade can be seen as a hero's journey.  You are the protagonist on a reluctant quest for knowledge.  Dark things await as you practice, struggle and attempt to overcome unnatural obstacles set before you by the most evil of antagonists... Mr. Crame.  Will you rise victorious over your obstacles to reap the rewards and return to earth a better hero?  Only time will tell.
Here is are some videos that illustrate the monomyth.