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| English: This image outlines the basic path of the monomyth, or "Hero's Journey". (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
I've been so busy (and grossed out over the mouse, which is still missing) that I almost forgot to finish my model explanation. So, the third characteristic is that the story using existing mythology is new: new plot, new hero(es). This is sort of self-explanatory, isn't it? Some films that fit into this category have more new aspects than others, but I'm not going to rule any out on this basis.
The fourth requirement is that the setting must be at least partly in the current reality. Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief has Mt. Olympus at the top of the Empire State Building and the entrance to Hades via the Hollywood sign, both of which are instantly recognizable to most people on the planet, I would guess. Of course, this definitely rules out Tolkein, but I think that's very reasonable. Yes, it's a new (20th century) mythology, but as for genre, it's traditional fantasy.
And lastly, number 5 is that it must be a quest. I'd almost have to say that this would rule out the Twilight movies, since I can't see anything like a hero's journey (I can't even see a hero!) in them, but I don't want to argue about it, so if anybody wants to take it on, they're getting a free pass from me.
And that's that.
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