Os lusíadas e a jornada do herói: a conexão entre o monomito e a epopeia portuguesa

Abstract

The aim of the article is to establish a connection between Os Lusíadas by Luís de Camões and Joseph Campbell's Hero's Journey, demonstrating how the structure of the monomyth can be applied to the Portuguese epic. The analysis highlights how Vasco da Gama follows the universal heroic stages, from the call to adventure to the return with glory, facing challenges and receiving divine assistance along the way. This comparison allows Os Lusíadas to be understood from a universal mythological perspective, showing that Camões’ narrative not only celebrates the achievements of Portuguese navigators but also connects to universal narrative archetypes. The article thus seeks to emphasize the importance of the epic as a cultural expression that transcends its local context, incorporating symbolic universal structures that reinforce values of perseverance and triumph.