This study examines the representation of the archetypal hero's journey across diverse cultures and literary genres using thematic analysis. The research focuses on classical epics, Eastern literature, and modern media to explore how the hero's journey framework is adapted and portrayed in different contexts. The study employs thematic analysis to identify patterns and themes within the selected texts, including Homer’s The Odyssey, Virgil’s The Aeneid, Snorri Sturluson’s Prose Edda, Wu Cheng’en’s Journey to the West, and modern narratives like George Lucas’s Star Wars and J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series. Data collection involved primary texts and secondary sources, while data analysis encompassed familiarization with texts, coding, theme development, and synthesis. Findings reveal that while the hero's journey serves as a universal narrative archetype, its manifestations vary significantly across cultural contexts, reflecting unique societal values and themes. Modern reinterpretations in genres like science fiction and fantasy demonstrate the framework’s adaptability to contemporary issues and technological advancements. The study highlights both commonalities and differences in the hero’s journey across global literary traditions, offering insights into universal and culturally specific storytelling elements. Future research directions include exploring emerging media formats, subcultural interpretations, and interdisciplinary approaches to further understand the hero's journey’s evolving role in narrative frameworks.
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Shahid et al. (2024) studied this question.