The Integration of Transformation: Extending Campbell’s Monomyth

Abstract

Referring to Campbell’s lectures and the outcomes of one study about the integration of transformation, this paper argues that the hero’s journey (and transformation) is not accomplished unless the life-changing experience is psychospiritually integrated into daily life. Accordingly, Campbell contradicts his theory by suggesting that the monomyth finishes when (and if) the initiate, who has returned home, integrates by successfully finding a way to share the boon. The research clarifies that integrating involves nine phases and in combination, the hero-making process of transformation and integration follow a figure-8 pattern; an upper transformative and masculine- dominated hero’s journey and lower integrative feminine-dominated complement.