A Comparative Analysis of the Hero's Journey

When looking at both Hermóðr's journey to Hel and Theseus and the Minotaur, we can clearly see how they follow the stages of the Hero's Journey, created by Campbell’s Framework. Even though the two myths come from different cultures, both heroes go through similar stages. When comparing the two, we can see how each hero’s experiences reflect this, and how their journeys shape them. 

The Call to Adventure is one of the first stages of the Hero’s Journey. This stage is where both heroes first get involved in their quests. First, For Hermod the call comes to him, after his brother Baldur dies and is trapped in Hel. Hermod volunteers to ride to the underworld and bring Baldur back to life. In the text, it states, “Hermod, surnamed the Nimble, the son of Odin, offered to undertake the journey. Odin's horse Sleipnir was then led forth, on which Hermod mounted, and galloped away on his mission.” For Theseus, his call comes when he is taken from his father, King Aegeus, to join a small army to defeat the minotaur. In this text we see his father begging for mercy. “King Aegeus fell to the ground at Minos’ feet. ‘Please, he is my only son, my only son, Theseus. I beg you, spare his life!’” These are both dangerous missions, they both show responsibility and desire to win.  

The next stage I want to focus on is the Road of Trials. Both heroes go through tough challenges on their journeys, but the nature of those trials are different. For Hermod, the trials are more about his endurance and the mental strain of traveling through the underworld. “Hermod was proceeding on his mission for the space of nine days and just as many nights. He rode through deep glens so dark that he could not discern anything.” This suggests he had a long and grueling journey. Theseus faces more physical challenges, like having to fight wrestlers, bandits and more. “The finest Cretan runners, leapers, wrestlers, and archers were invited to compete with the Athenian. Theseus would defeat every one of them”. This shows he is fully prepared versus any foe and is ready to face the minotaur.  

Finally, the Ordeal and the Return are where we see the biggest contrast between these two myths. Theseus successfully slays the Minotaur and returns home as a hero after leaving Ariadne, The king’s daughter, alone on an island. On the other hand, Hermod returns, but fails in his mission in bringing back Baldur from Hel. Hermod’s journey brings a deeper understanding to fate and the limit of ones power.  

Overall, both heroes go through the same basic stages of the Hero's Journey, but their experiences and outcomes are very different. Theseus’s story ends in a sad success, while Hermod’s is marked by loss and the acceptance of death. I think these endings show that the Hero’s Journey is about more than just winning, it’s about growth, transformation, and facing challenges, no matter the outcome.