The tag says "Wisdom and Knowledge," but those aren't necessarily the same things in The Hero with a Thousand Faces.
Wisdom is understanding the greater mysteries, and having the humility to see how little our individual selves matter in the face of that all-encompassing connection. Knowledge is understanding things about the world that can help us in practical matters—and, while knowledge may lead us to wisdom, it isn't wisdom in and of itself.
In any case, both are what the hero seeks in the midst of his or her adventures…initially as rewards, but ultimately as a means of finding that cosmic bliss promised at the end of the journey
Questions About Wisdom and Knowledge
- How do knowledge and wisdom serve a practical purpose on the Hero's Journey?
- Who bestows knowledge upon the hero? How does such a boon alter the nature of the hero's quest?
- In what ways do knowledge and wisdom serve as obstacles rather than aids on the quest?
- How does gaining knowledge and experience help the hero in ways that have nothing to do with his or her quest?
Chew on This
Wisdom and knowledge are just stepping stones on the path to enlightenment.
Wisdom and knowledge point the way to enlightenment, but they are also rewards unto themselves.