The Hero’s Journey and mythological archetypes, combined with insights from neuroscience, shape strategies and political leaderships. Since the dawn of humanity, stories have shaped how we perceive the world. Among these, the Hero’s Journey, described by Joseph Campbell, stands out as a universal model that connects cultures and eras. This narrative not only inspires books and films but also molds political identities. Neuroscience explains why: stories activate areas of the brain related to emotion, memory, and decision-making, creating profound connections with individuals. In politics, leaders use these narratives to forge emotional bonds with voters, projecting themselves as heroes on their own journeys.
The Hero’s Journey follows a sequence of fundamental stages, each reflecting crucial moments in the trajectories of political leaders.
Stage One: The Ordinary World. Before becoming leaders, many politicians begin their journeys in everyday settings. Barack Obama, for instance, as a young lawyer and community organizer in Chicago, connected with local needs before his national ascent. Voters identify with leaders who reflect common experiences, activating the insular cortex associated with empathy.
Stage Two: The Call to Adventure. The hero is summoned to face extraordinary challenges. Nelson Mandela accepted the fight against apartheid, fully aware of the risks of imprisonment and persecution. This stage activates dopamine in the brain, generating enthusiasm and hope among the public.
Stage Three: Refusal of the Call. Often, the hero faces doubts before accepting their mission. Abraham Lincoln, for example, hesitated to assume the presidency during the Civil War, fearing national division. This hesitation humanizes the leader, strengthening the emotional connection with voters.
Stage Four: Meeting the Mentor. The hero encounters figures who offer guidance and inspiration. Mahatma Gandhi was influenced by spiritual leaders and experiences in South Africa, which shaped his philosophy of non-violence. Mentors activate areas of the brain related to trust, such as the prefrontal cortex.
Stage Five: Crossing the First Threshold. The hero enters the unknown, facing initial challenges. John F. Kennedy pledged to take the U.S. to the Moon, venturing into unexplored territory with the space program. Novelty generates excitement, activating the brain’s reward system.
Stage Six: Tests, Allies, and Enemies. The hero faces obstacles and forms strategic alliances. Franklin D. Roosevelt navigated the Great Depression and built coalitions during World War II. Conflicts intensify amygdala activity, creating greater emotional engagement.
Stage Seven: The Supreme Ordeal. The moment of greatest challenge. Winston Churchill led Britain during World War II, a time of uncertainty and constant threats. Facing devastating bombings and significant internal political pressure, Churchill stood firm, using powerful speeches as weapons to mobilize national resistance and bolster morale. His ability to make strategic decisions under intense pressure cemented his image as a resilient and indispensable leader, guiding a nation through darkness toward victory.
Stage Eight: The Reward. The hero achieves their goal or overcomes the challenge. Rosa Parks became a symbol of the civil rights movement after her act of peaceful resistance. The reward activates the brain’s reward system, creating collective satisfaction.
Stage Nine: The Return with the Elixir. The hero returns transformed, bringing wisdom to their community. Eleanor Roosevelt turned her experience as First Lady into a career as a global leader in human rights, presiding over the creation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This stage strengthens loyalty and inspiration among the public, solidifying the leader’s legacy.
The Hero’s Journey resonates deeply because it activates archetypal memories stored in the collective unconscious. These archetypes evoke emotions that shape behaviors and political decisions. Empathy is activated when leaders demonstrate humanity and connection with their bases, like Angela Merkel. Admirability is stimulated by stories of overcoming adversity and resilience, like Mandela. Archetypes of heroes or rebels generate enthusiasm and action, like Che Guevara.
Female figures also follow the Hero’s Journey, facing unique challenges in political contexts. Eleanor Roosevelt embodied the archetype of the wise woman, transforming her role into a global human rights movement. Benazir Bhutto endured trials leading a modern Muslim state, representing resilience and renewal. Angela Merkel projected authority and wisdom, guiding Europe through economic crises.
The Hero’s Journey is a powerful tool for understanding how political leaders build their identities and connect emotionally with the public. Neuroscience provides the basis for understanding why these narratives work, showing how they activate brain areas related to empathy, memory, and decision-making. When used ethically, these strategies can strengthen democracies, inspire collective action, and create lasting legacies. This connection between mythology, neuroscience, and politics transcends cultures and eras, proving that heroic archetypes continue to shape the history and future of societies.
Felipe Valer 