Hero's journey

Years ago, when I was studying Greek, Latin, and what they called ‘the classics’ at school, it was a tedious and repetitive task. We were often punished for bad behaviour by being made to hand-copy the preface of Greek grammar books. Names like Odysseus and Homer filled me with dread. Despite this, I later discovered the excitement and universality within these classics, which offer valuable lessons about human nature.

After school, I studied English Literature at University. There, I learned how to write about subjects that interested me, even if I knew little about them. Now, I feel well-positioned to tackle this particular topic, as a complete amateur with a bit of information to share.

In his excellent book ‘Uncommon People’ David Hepworth argues that the era of the rock star is gone and that there are now only those pretending to be, or acting like rock stars, much in the same ways there are no more real cowboys left. If this is true, perhaps it’s because we are no longer able to mythologise these creatures – because they are too accessible, too human, without any of the mystery that let us elevate them to their godlike status.

So let’s humanise these heroes and look at them from a different perspective – through the timeless concept of a hero's journey – which is also able to incorporate flaws.

Ancient epic tales often present a universal archetype of a hero whose transformative stories captivate audiences. In today’s modern world, rock stars may embody this heroic essence. Let’s explore the parallels between iconic heroes of ancient epics, like those in Homer’s works, and rock legends like Kurt Cobain and Keith Richards.

The hero’s journey, as outlined by Joseph Campbell, describes a transformative adventure. This journey, evident in Homer’s epics, is the foundation for the trials of iconic figures like Odysseus and Aeneas. These ancient heroes confronted perilous challenges, epitomising the quintessential hero’s journey.

Do rock stars embody today’s heroes? They emerge as icons of our era, symbolising freedom, passion, and defiance, much like the legendary heroes of old. Figures like Kurt Cobain and Keith Richards exemplify these modern heroes. Their challenging quests mirror the mythic journeys of yore.

Kurt Cobain’s rise from obscurity was marred by personal struggles and deep existential questions. His journey reflects the stages of the hero’s journey, from the call to adventure to the terrifying abyss of addiction and despair.

Keith Richards’ enduring spirit and lasting legacy highlight the triumph of the human spirit amidst the chaos of rock ‘n’ roll. His journey reflects the stages of the hero’s journey, from mentorship to artistic glory.

Is the rock star a myth or reality? The myths surrounding rock stars blur the lines between reality and legend. The stories the media tells contribute to the mystique of the rock star, continuing tales of excess and rebellion. But, beneath the myth lies a nuanced reality where rock stars grapple with deep questions and navigate the complexities of fame and fortune.

Heroes like Aeneas from The Iliad represent a bigger challenge to create a comparison, as he is more associated with the noble virtues of duty, sacrifice, and honour, contrasting with the rebellious spirit of rock stars. But while rock stars may not have formal duties, they certainly carry the burden of societal expectations and cultural influence.

The heroic journeys of Kurt Cobain and Keith Richards serve as examples of the lasting power of myth and storytelling. Let’s embrace the rich variety of stories that shine a light on the human condition and inspire us to embark on our heroic journey.

In the end, the hero’s journey transcends time and cultural boundaries, uniting us in our shared search for meaning, purpose, and self-discovery.

Rock stars: modern-day heroes on an epic journey

As a child forced to study Greek and Latin, I remember getting hopelessly lost in the ancient words of Odysseus and Homer. The classics were a chore, the punishment for misbehaviour was copying the preface to a Greek grammar book. But little did I know, these stories contained universal truths about human nature, truths that would later fascinate me.

Fast forward to my university days, studying English Literature, where I discovered the joy of studying human nature through reading, researching and trying to understand what the author was saying, then writing my interpretations.

Our podcast discussion in ‘Empathy for the Devil’ highlighted the trend of idolising rock stars, only to tear them down. In his book ‘Uncommon People,’ David Hepworth suggests that like the era of cowboys, the era of rock stars is over, both replaced by mere imitations of the past – literally people wearing costumes.

If he’s right, could it be because we no longer mythologise these figures, as they’ve become too accessible, too real, and less mysterious? Through social media and the tabloid press – we think we know everything about them. There is no mystery left.

But isn’t viewing them as fallible human beings more appropriate?

So if we look at them through the lens of the hero’s journey, a concept that embraces their flaws, rather than being deities, or creatures of myth, they become humans just like us – albeit in ones that embody the archetypal roles?

What the fuck is he talking about!?

Ancient epic tales often depict a universal archetype of a hero whose transformative stories captivate audiences. Our classic rock stars, with their defiance and passion, mirror these heroic traits. Let’s delve into the parallels between ancient heroes like Odysseus and modern rock legends such as Kurt Cobain and Keith Richards.

Joseph Campbell’s hero’s journey is a transformative adventure, reflected in Homer’s epics and the trials of figures like Odysseus and Aeneas. These ancient heroes faced perilous challenges, epitomising the classic hero’s journey. Do our classic-era rock stars follow a similar path?

Kurt Cobain’s journey from obscurity to fame was fraught with personal struggles, echoing the stages of the hero’s journey. Keith Richards’ lasting legacy and enduring spirit amidst the chaos of rock ‘n’ roll also mirror these stages.

Is that kind of rock star a myth or reality? The media’s portrayal contributes to portraying the mystique of rock stars, spinning tales of excess and rebellion. Yet, beneath the façade, these figures grapple with existential questions and navigate the complexities of fame.

Creating a comparison to heroes like Aeneas from The Iliad presents a bigger challenge, as their noble virtues contrast with the rebellious spirit of rock stars. But, rock stars too bear the weight of societal expectations and cultural influence, albeit in a different manner.

The heroic journeys of Kurt Cobain and Keith Richards illustrate the enduring power of myth and storytelling, as both have now truly entered mythical status. Their own stories shine a light on the human condition and have inspired many to embark on their heroic journeys.

The hero’s journey transcends time and culture, uniting us in our shared quest for meaning, purpose, and self-discovery.

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