In this compelling and influential work, Joseph Campbell scours the myths of the world to reveal the characteristics common to heroes from all cultures and periods.

Mankind has always used fantastical stories as a weapon against fear and ignorance. But despite their infinite variety of incident, setting and costume, the myths of the world present us with remarkably similar heroes. Through meticulous research, Joseph Campbell has identified the composite hero, the common thread that runs through Apollo, Buddha, the Grimm Brothers’ Frog King, and thousands of others. By comparing his findings with the words of such spiritual leaders as Moses, Jesus and Mohammed, Campbell shows how the myths of the world hold a mirror to our notion of heroism – and our interpretation of life itself.