105 Slay the Dragon, Steal the Fire

Every great story follows a pattern. From Star Wars to The Matrix, from The Lord of the Rings to Harry Potter, we see the same arc: an ordinary person is called to something greater, faces trials, descends into darkness, and returns transformed.

This isn’t just a formula for storytelling - it’s a blueprint for life itself.

In this episode of The Observing I, we break down Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s Journey, not as a storytelling device, but as a psychological and philosophical roadmap for transformation. We’ll explore why this myth is hardwired into us, how Carl Jung’s archetypes shape our reality, and what happens when the hero falls into the abyss and never returns.

We’ll dive into the dark side of the Hero’s Journey, from false heroes to those who mistake power for wisdom, and how postmodern narratives are tearing this ancient myth apart. And finally, we’ll bring it back to you—how to apply the Hero’s Journey as a personal philosophy, how to recognize where you are in the cycle, and how to answer the call when it comes knocking.

Because here’s the truth: you are already on the journey. The only question is - are you going to answer the call?

Much love, David

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