Final answer:
The term monomyth is used in comparative mythology to refer to a universal narrative structure found in mythological stories from different cultures. Joseph Campbell popularized this concept in his book 'The Hero with a Thousand Faces.' The monomyth consists of a series of stages or events that a hero goes through on their journey.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term monomyth is used in comparative mythology to refer to a common pattern found in a wide range of mythological stories from different cultures. This concept was popularized by Joseph Campbell, a comparative mythologist, in his book 'The Hero with a Thousand Faces.' Campbell argued that all mythological stories follow a universal narrative structure, which he called the monomyth or the hero's journey.
The monomyth consists of a series of stages or events that a hero goes through on their journey, including the call to adventure, crossing the threshold, facing challenges and temptations, undergoing transformation, and returning with a gift or boon for their community.
For example, in the ancient epic of 'Gilgamesh,' the hero Gilgamesh embarks on a journey to find immortality. He faces various challenges and undergoes personal growth throughout his quest. This story follows the pattern of the monomyth, as identified by Campbell.