The correct answer is archetypal symbols. The hero's journey is a term created by the mythologist Joseph Campbell to establish a model that follows most epic tales. In this order of ideas, this model establishes an archetype (model) in which the hero first receives a call to the unknown, then unleashes a fight from which he can emerge victorious and come back to his home. Finally, if the hero of the story manages to arrive safely, he can contribute with his experience to improve his society. This model can have many variations however the structure remains.
