Journal of Heroic Literature

Journal of Heroic Literature

A Study of Goshtasb's Mythical Journey Based on Christopher Vogler's "Writer's Journey"

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Atekeh Rasmi 1
Sakineh Rasmi 2
1 Associate Professor. Department of Persian language and literature, Faculty of Literature and humanities, Azerbaijan Shahid Madani University, Tabriz, Iran.
2 Professor Department of Persian language and literature, Faculty of Persian Literature and foreign languages, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran.
10.22034/heroic.2026.3.5.12
Abstract
The myth of the hero is one of the most well-known myths that the hero in addition to physical action in his mythical journey experiences spiritual action and while overcoming obstacles, he often returns to his origin to pamper the achievements of his journey with others. Joseph Campbell describes the hero's journey which the hero experiences a transcendental journey, evolves, attains self-knowledge and wholeness, and then returns to his people with a message. Christopher Vogler, by elimination some stages of Campbell's hero's journey and merging of some stages together, repeats the hero's transformation as the Writer's journey". The evolution of the hero reflects man's universal understanding from the nature of life. The mythical journey of the hero also accompanies the audiences, and they are empathizing with the hero, although they have sought different needs and desires. This article study the story of “Goshtasb and Katayun" in a descriptive and analytical manner using Vogler's "Writer's Journey" model. Goshtasb sets out on a journey with an inner call, and then, according to the journey model, after going through the stages in a circular motion after marrying Katayun, overcoming wolve and dragon, which is the hero's test to reach consciousness, and obtaining Lohrasb's consent to dominate the throne and crown, returns to Iran. The story corresponds to Vogler's pattern in each of the twelve stages.
Keywords
Goshtasb
mythical structure
Journey
archetype
Vogler
Subjects
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Journal of Heroic Literature
Volume 3, Issue 5 - Serial Number 5
Autumn & Winter
March 2026
Pages 243-262