The Hero's Journey framework describes the common pattern found in stories of heroes across religions, legends, and modern fiction. According to Joseph Campbell, the framework involves a hero leaving their ordinary world and embarking on an adventure involving supernatural forces, challenges, and a decisive victory. The hero then returns home with gifts or lessons that can benefit their community. Key stages of the journey include hearing the call to adventure, committing to the journey, confronting challenges, recovering, and sharing knowledge upon returning.