Volume 13, Issue 61 (2026)
CFL 2026, 13(61): 67-92 |
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shirizade N, allahdadidastjerdi Z. Analysis of the Arabic Folktale "The Clever Monkey" Based on Joseph Campbell's Hero's Journey Archetype. CFL 2026; 13 (61) :67-92
URL: http://cfl.modares.ac.ir/article-11-76724-en.html
URL: http://cfl.modares.ac.ir/article-11-76724-en.html
1- phd student of Gilan University
2- Faculty member of Hakim Sabzevari University ,Zohreallahdadidastjerdi@gmail.com
2- Faculty member of Hakim Sabzevari University ,
Abstract: (45 Views)
Folk tales, like any other phenomenon, originate from the psyche and thoughts of their creators. Consequently, various manifestations of the collective unconscious of different peoples and nations can be observed throughout these tales. In this manner, recurring patterns in folk tales become a foundation for analyzing and uncovering the hidden layers of the text. One such recurring pattern is the journey. Joseph Campbell, by presenting the Hero's Journey archetype, acknowledges that the story's hero embarks on a quest for self-actualization by first departing from their original place and subsequently passing through three stages named "Departure," "Initiation," and "Return." The folktale "The Clever Monkey" is one of the Arabic legends, and the aim of this study is to examine this story based on the Hero's Journey archetype. After applying the Hero's Journey theory to this folktale, it was determined that in the Departure stage, the story's hero encounters and overcomes sub-elements such as the call to begin the journey, supernatural aid, and crossing the first threshold. The next stage of this folktale encompasses sub-elements like the series of tests, meeting the goddess, and the ultimate boon. Finally, the third stage involves the sub-element of achieving freedom in life. Additionally, the narrative's requirements have led to the omission and exclusion of some sub-elements. In conclusion, it can be stated that in this story, the hero undergoes seven stages in their journey: thirst and questing, the appearance of a guide, danger (the eagle), entering a new world, gaining awareness, returning, and transformation and benefit.
Research Background
Within the framework of Joseph Campbell's "Hero's Journey" archetype, various studies have been conducted, among which notable examples include the analyses by Seddiri-Zadeh, Modaberi, and Sarfi. These scholars have explored the mythological structure of the journey of the "inner hero" in the tales of Bahram and Gol-andam, relying on the theories of Joseph Campbell, Pearson, and Kimar. In another study, Sabzealipour examined the Hero's Journey pattern in several Iranian tales as part of his research. These two studies are brief examples among numerous others; however, it must be noted that, to date, no research has been conducted to align the Hero's Journey archetype with the folktale "The Clever Monkey."
Using archetypal criticism theories, one can interpret and examine stories and dissect the collective unconscious elements within them. According to the Hero's Journey archetype, "the hero's primary task is the conscious development of the self; that is, an awareness of one's weaknesses and abilities in a way that enables them to confront life's challenges" (Nourdabay & Hall, 1996).
Goals, questions, and assumptions
The main question of the present study is:
How can we, considering this perspective, excavate the explicit and implicit conceptual and semantic layers of the folktale to achieve a better understanding of the story's symbols, codes, and imagery?
Main discussion
Since folktales encompass the adventures of heroes and the various events of their lives, and because the journey is an integral part of most folktales, one significant aspect that can be addressed in the analysis of folktales is the hero's journey. "By the hand of fate, the hero is summoned by a call that draws them away from societal norms into an unknown realm. This realm of destiny, which is both rich in treasures and fraught with dangers, manifests in various forms" (Campbell, 2005).
Accordingly, Campbell conceptualizes the inner journey of a person as the mythical Hero's Journey and believes that through this process, the hero undergoes inner transformation. In the folktale "The Clever Monkey," at the first step of the journey, the monkey is driven by a need (thirst) to leave its original dwelling and embarks on the path of trials. In the desert, it encounters a water well but does not know how to access it. In the second stage of the journey (the rite of passage), it meets the goddess, symbolizing a protector and provider. By gaining awareness in the second stage, the monkey enters the third part of the journey (return), which ultimately leads to the quenching of thirst and material and spiritual benefits in life.
Conclusion
"The Clever Monkey" utilizes various symbols and juxtaposes them to portray different aspects of the psyche (both conscious and unconscious). The unconscious is depicted in various forms behind the symbolism, aiming to test the hero on the path of inner journeying and to achieve the ultimate boon (awareness and psychological evolution). This journey is realized through seven steps, representing a complete cycle in life. In other words, in this story, the hero undergoes seven stages: thirst and questing, the appearance of a guide, danger (the eagle), entering a new world, gaining awareness, returning, and transformation and benefit. Therefore, in this journey, the hero (the monkey) traverses a complete psychological and intuitive system, achieving intellectual and psychological independence.
References
Campbell, J. (2005). The hero of a thousand faces (translated into Farsi by Sh. Khosrupanah). Gol Aftab.
Nordbay, V.J., & Hall, C.S. (1996). Fundamentals of Jung’s analytical psychology (translated into Farsi by M. H. Moqbal). Academic Jihad.
Research Background
Within the framework of Joseph Campbell's "Hero's Journey" archetype, various studies have been conducted, among which notable examples include the analyses by Seddiri-Zadeh, Modaberi, and Sarfi. These scholars have explored the mythological structure of the journey of the "inner hero" in the tales of Bahram and Gol-andam, relying on the theories of Joseph Campbell, Pearson, and Kimar. In another study, Sabzealipour examined the Hero's Journey pattern in several Iranian tales as part of his research. These two studies are brief examples among numerous others; however, it must be noted that, to date, no research has been conducted to align the Hero's Journey archetype with the folktale "The Clever Monkey."
Using archetypal criticism theories, one can interpret and examine stories and dissect the collective unconscious elements within them. According to the Hero's Journey archetype, "the hero's primary task is the conscious development of the self; that is, an awareness of one's weaknesses and abilities in a way that enables them to confront life's challenges" (Nourdabay & Hall, 1996).
Goals, questions, and assumptions
The main question of the present study is:
How can we, considering this perspective, excavate the explicit and implicit conceptual and semantic layers of the folktale to achieve a better understanding of the story's symbols, codes, and imagery?
Main discussion
Since folktales encompass the adventures of heroes and the various events of their lives, and because the journey is an integral part of most folktales, one significant aspect that can be addressed in the analysis of folktales is the hero's journey. "By the hand of fate, the hero is summoned by a call that draws them away from societal norms into an unknown realm. This realm of destiny, which is both rich in treasures and fraught with dangers, manifests in various forms" (Campbell, 2005).
Accordingly, Campbell conceptualizes the inner journey of a person as the mythical Hero's Journey and believes that through this process, the hero undergoes inner transformation. In the folktale "The Clever Monkey," at the first step of the journey, the monkey is driven by a need (thirst) to leave its original dwelling and embarks on the path of trials. In the desert, it encounters a water well but does not know how to access it. In the second stage of the journey (the rite of passage), it meets the goddess, symbolizing a protector and provider. By gaining awareness in the second stage, the monkey enters the third part of the journey (return), which ultimately leads to the quenching of thirst and material and spiritual benefits in life.
Conclusion
"The Clever Monkey" utilizes various symbols and juxtaposes them to portray different aspects of the psyche (both conscious and unconscious). The unconscious is depicted in various forms behind the symbolism, aiming to test the hero on the path of inner journeying and to achieve the ultimate boon (awareness and psychological evolution). This journey is realized through seven steps, representing a complete cycle in life. In other words, in this story, the hero undergoes seven stages: thirst and questing, the appearance of a guide, danger (the eagle), entering a new world, gaining awareness, returning, and transformation and benefit. Therefore, in this journey, the hero (the monkey) traverses a complete psychological and intuitive system, achieving intellectual and psychological independence.
References
Campbell, J. (2005). The hero of a thousand faces (translated into Farsi by Sh. Khosrupanah). Gol Aftab.
Nordbay, V.J., & Hall, C.S. (1996). Fundamentals of Jung’s analytical psychology (translated into Farsi by M. H. Moqbal). Academic Jihad.
Article Type: پژوهشی اصیل |
Subject:
Popular literature
Received: 2024/08/26 | Accepted: 2025/01/5 | Published: 2026/03/1
Received: 2024/08/26 | Accepted: 2025/01/5 | Published: 2026/03/1
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