Joseph John Campbell (March 26, 1904 – October 30, 1987) was an American writer and a distinguished professor of literature at Sarah Lawrence College. He is renowned for his work in comparative mythology and comparative religion, exploring many facets of the human experience. Campbell's most famous work, The Hero with a Thousand Faces (1949), presents his theory of the monomyth, the journey of the archetypal hero shared by world mythologies.

Since its publication, Campbell's theories have been embraced by numerous modern writers and artists. His philosophy is encapsulated in his oft-quoted phrase: "Follow your bliss." Campbell's impact reached Hollywood when George Lucas acknowledged his work as an influence on the Star Wars saga.

Although influential, Campbell's approach to folklore and myth has faced criticism from academic folklorists, who question his interpretations and influence on popular culture.