THE HERO’S JOURNEYAn Archetypal Story

Archetype

A pattern, such as a type of character or type of story, that is repeated in literature.

The hero’s journey, some say, may be one of the oldest Archetypes on the planet!

Joseph Campbell

•Identified and labeled the hero’s journey and it’s components. •Considered one of the world’s foremost authorities on mythology•Wrote, The Hero with a Thousand Faces- states that all storytelling follows ancient patterns of myths and use elements of the hero’s journey•Monomyth- one myth•George Lucas consulted with him for the Star Wars trilogy•Hero’s journey is a metaphor for life and its function is to entertain, instruct, and inspire

I The DepartureA. The Call to Adventure

B. Refusal of the Call C. The Adventure Begins

The first glimpse of a change, the hero realizes something must be done, the “roots” of quest.

The hero refuses the “Call”. Something keeps him/her from moving forward.

Leaving behind the world the hero knows for an unknown realm of unforeseen dangers.

I The DepartureA. The Call to Adventure

B. Refusal of the Call C. The Adventure Begins

The first glimpse of a change, the hero realizes something must be done, the “roots” of quest.

The hero refuses the “Call”. Something keeps him/her from moving forward.

Leaving behind the world the hero knows for an unknown realm of unforeseen dangers.

II InitiationA. The Road of Trials

B. Experience with Unconditional Love

The Ultimate Boon

*other known steps

The hero is “tested”. He/she often fails many of the tests has he/she undergoes their “transformation”/growth. The hero faces challenges.

The hero experiences support which allows him/her to continue.

The goal is reached! The hero has also been changed by the experience.

•Meeting with the Goddess•Temptation•Atonement with the Father

II InitiationA. The Road of Trials

B. Experience with Unconditional Love

The Ultimate Boon

*other known steps

The hero is “tested”. He/she often fails many of the tests has he/she undergoes their “transformation”/growth. The hero faces challenges.

The hero experiences support which allows him/her to continue.

The goal is reached! The hero has also been changed by the experience.

•Meeting with the Goddess•Temptation•Atonement with the Father

A. Refusal of Return

B. Magic flight

C. Rescue from Without

D. The Crossing/ Return to the Threshold

The hero refuses to return. He/she is unsure of their “place” and must make a choice.

There is another adventure on the hero’s return trip. There is still danger.

The hero needs aide/ guidance. He/she may be injured or unsure as to the next step.

The hero must decide what to do with the wisdom they have gained on their quest.

III Return

III ReturnA. Refusal of Return

B. Magic flight C. Rescue from Without

D. The Crossing/ Return to the Threshold

The hero refuses to return. He/she is unsure of their “place” and must make a choice.

There is another adventure on the hero’s return trip. There is still danger.

The hero needs aide/ guidance. He/she may be injured or unsure as to the next step.

The hero must decide what to do with the wisdom they have gained on their quest.

Common Elements

Young hero yearns for adventure (innocence vs. wisdom)

Mentor/oracle- trains the hero in some way, offers guidance

Two worlds (mundane and fantastic) Prophecy – a legend that must be fulfilled (not a

requirement) Failed Hero- someone doesn’t (or almost doesn’t)

make it Wearing the “enemy’s skin”- disguise “Shape-shifter”- trickster, the person with

unknown loyalties (two-faced)

Discussion

How is the Hero’s Journey a metaphor for life?

How does an ordinary hero, like ourselves, benefit from the hero’s journey?

How does this change your definition a hero?