AN ANALYSIS ON THE MONOMYTH THROUGH RICK RIORDAN’S PERCY JACKSON: THE LIGHTNING THIEF

Abstract

This is a narrative research carried out qualitatively supported by secondary data analysis. The primary data are collected from the statements through Percy Jackson: the Lightning Thief. For depth analysis, the secondary data are collected from references such as the previous researches and internet sources. The first previous research is Archetype of the Hero's Journey in Odyssey by Mohammad Taheri and Ronak Jalaly M.A. The second is Heroes of Middle-Earth: J. Campbell’s Monomyth in J.R.R. Tolkien’s the Lord of the Rings written by Tutta Kesti. The results of the research showed that Rick Riordan consciously or unconsciously uses the Joseph Campbell Hero’s Journey theory on his Percy Jackson: the Lightning Thief. It was proved by how the Separation - Initiation – Return of Monomyth is applied in his book and also how the archetype characteristics of the Hero's Journey is clearly shown in this story. It shows that Percy as the Hero of the story meets herald when he is accused as the thief of Zeus master bolt in his ordinary world or Separation stages of the Hero’s journey. Helped by mentor and allies through his journey, Percy has slain many Greek creatures during his road of trials, and he manages to conquer his fear of decision to save the world or his mother on Initiation stages. During the Return stages he faces Luke Castellan the Shadow that reveals himself as the thief of the Zeus master bolt and Hades Helm of Darkness. Percy manages to survive from the betrayer. And in the end Percy manages to return and stays with his beloved mother in his ordinary world.