To summarise:
A hero is any male or female who leaves the world of his or her everyday life to undergo a journey to a special world where challenges and fears are overcome in order to secure a reward (special knowledge, healing potion, etc.) which is then shared with other members of the hero’s community.
Spiritually and psychologically, the journey is a metaphor for growth.
The journey, seen as a process of self-discovery and self-integration and as a way of maintaining balance and harmony in our lives, can be confusing and painful, but, as with any process of growth and change, it brings opportunities to develop confidence, perspective and understanding.