The archetype of the hero's journey is a pervasive and enduring motif found in ancient myths and legends from cultures around the world. From the epic tales of Gilgamesh in Mesopotamia to the adventures of Hercules in ancient Greece, and from the exploits of Sun Wukong in Chinese folklore to the stories of the Maori hero Maui, the hero's journey serves as a universal narrative framework that transcends cultural boundaries and speaks to the timeless truths of the human experience. By examining how this archetype manifests in ancient myths and legends, we can gain insight into the universal aspects of human psychology, the quest for meaning, and the journey of self-discovery.