Once upon a Place cover art

Once upon a Place

Forests, Caverns & Other Places of Transformation in Myths, Fairy Tales & Film

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About this listen

Once Upon a Place explores narratives from modern film, famous fairy tales, and ancient mythology to define the five core locations that shape every story: the Cavern, the Deep, the Vessel, the Forest, and the Labyrinth.

Popularized by Joseph Campbell, the hero's journey features narrative stages along which a person matures and transforms. But where heroes transform is just as important as what they do to get there. Holly Bellebuono shows you how the location of each hero's journey step is intimately tied to the challenges faced, setting the tone for the entire adventure.

To illustrate each location, Bellebuono shares fifteen original adaptations—such as the tales of Persephone, Gilgamesh, Cerridwen, and Alice—to explore how the "sense of place" drives the adventure and outcome. From Innana's descent into the Cavern to Snow White entering the Forest, this book offers powerful wisdom about personal growth, life's purpose, and the origins of creativity.

©2025 Holly Bellebuono (P)2025 Tantor Media
Customs & Traditions Literary History & Criticism Social Sciences Fantasy Mythology
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