The call to adventure is an event that takes place in every monomyth. It happens because, without the call, there would be no adventure and therefore, no story worth following. It is usually a message given to the hero by another character; however, it could also be an event that the hero experiences.

In Watership Down, the call is a vision recieved by Fiver. He sees the meadow where the live covered in blood. Fiver is sure that there is immediate danger coming (even though there are no signs the others can see) and all the rabbits must leave the warren where they live and find safety. For Hazel, the immense amount of fear his brother is feeling is more than enough reason to leave the area.

The Odyssey actually has two journeys taking place which means there are two seperate callings being made. The first call is made to Telemachus by the goddess Athena who is disguised as a guest to the mansion of Odysseus. She tells him of Penelope’s suitors and tells him to send them away. This marks the call to Telemachus’s adventure into manhood, which he accepts. Odysseus’s call occurs when Hermes is sent to Calypso to tell her that the gods have decided that she must free Odysseus and allow him to return home. She helps Odysseus build a new boat and aids in stocking the ship with food and fresh water for his journey. Odysseus leaves as Calypso sadly watches.

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