The Hero’s JourneyThe Hero’s Journey

By Ron Eisenman (adapted By Ron Eisenman (adapted from Bryan M. Davis and from Bryan M. Davis and

Martha Nelson)Martha Nelson)

Jung and CampbellJung and Campbell Carl Jung and Joseph Carl Jung and Joseph

Campbell developed Campbell developed the idea of the the idea of the archetypearchetype– Archetype: A recurring Archetype: A recurring

pattern of images, pattern of images, situations, or symbols situations, or symbols found in the found in the mythology, religion, mythology, religion, art, and dreams of art, and dreams of cultures around the cultures around the worldworld

Joseph CampbellJoseph Campbell

Carl JungCarl Jung

Stages Of The Hero’s Stages Of The Hero’s JourneyJourney

Call to Adventure

Helper

Threshold of Adventure

Tests

Helpers

Flight

Elixir

Threshold crossingBrother-battleDragon-battleDismembermentCrucifixionAbductionNight-sea journeyWonder journeyWhale’s belly

1. SACRED MARRIAGE2. FATHER ATONEMENT3. APOTHE0SIS4. ELIXIR THEFT

ReturnResurrectionRescueThreshold Struggle

Unusual BirthUnusual Birth Often in danger or Often in danger or

born into royaltyborn into royalty– Jesus’ virgin birthJesus’ virgin birth– Simba and the Simba and the

Buddha are born Buddha are born princesprinces

– Moses put in Moses put in basketbasket

– King Arthur in King Arthur in danger from Uther danger from Uther Pendragon’s rivals Pendragon’s rivals

The CallThe Call An invitation to An invitation to

adventure either by adventure either by a herald or an a herald or an external eventexternal event

Voluntary or Voluntary or involuntaryinvoluntary– Shrek decides to Shrek decides to

rescue Princess Fionarescue Princess Fiona– Nemo decides to Nemo decides to

leave home and his leave home and his dad tries to bring him dad tries to bring him backback

– God appears to MosesGod appears to Moses

Supernatural HelpSupernatural Help Hero often has spiritual Hero often has spiritual

guidance from a wizard, old guidance from a wizard, old man, dwarf, fairy godmother, man, dwarf, fairy godmother, etc…etc…

A helper may give an aid or A helper may give an aid or talisman to help the hero talisman to help the hero navigate the unknownnavigate the unknown– Arthur has Merlin and a Arthur has Merlin and a

swordsword– Yahweh guides MosesYahweh guides Moses– Wallace dreams of his Wallace dreams of his

dead fatherdead father– Simba sees Mufasa in Simba sees Mufasa in

the sky and has Rafiki the sky and has Rafiki help himhelp him

The ThresholdThe Threshold The jumping off point for The jumping off point for

the adventure which the adventure which marks the boundary from marks the boundary from the known to the the known to the unknownunknown

There is usually a There is usually a presence which blocks presence which blocks the way. Ie, parents the way. Ie, parents prevent children from prevent children from harming themselvesharming themselves

The hero defeats, The hero defeats, conciliates, or is conciliates, or is murdered by the shadow murdered by the shadow and enters the unknown and enters the unknown such as a cave or the such as a cave or the belly of a whalebelly of a whale

Initiation and TestsInitiation and Tests Hero is tested physically Hero is tested physically

or psychologically. or psychologically. The hero is required to The hero is required to

perform great featsperform great feats In the end, the hero must In the end, the hero must

face his greatest fear face his greatest fear alone even though he alone even though he may have a companion.may have a companion.

Eventually, he is reborn Eventually, he is reborn and transformedand transformed– Jesus faces the 3 Jesus faces the 3

temptations temptations – Arthur leads battlesArthur leads battles– Moses perform miraclesMoses perform miracles– Odysseus faces many Odysseus faces many

obstacles trying to return obstacles trying to return homehome

Atonement With FatherAtonement With Father Hero either Hero either

redeems father’s redeems father’s evil deeds or evil deeds or gains recognition gains recognition by his father-by his father-creatorcreator

ApotheosisApotheosis Hero is rewarded Hero is rewarded

spiritually at the spiritually at the end of his lifeend of his life

Elixir theftElixir theftSometimes the Sometimes the hero steals hero steals something that something that benefits humans, benefits humans, such as fire, an such as fire, an elixir of long life, elixir of long life, or a brideor a bride

The ReturnThe Return Because of the new knowledge, the hero Because of the new knowledge, the hero

may not want to returnmay not want to return There is a flight from a pursuer which There is a flight from a pursuer which

marks the return back to the known marks the return back to the known worldworld

Once the hero returns, he is a product of Once the hero returns, he is a product of 2 worlds with strong powers. He restores 2 worlds with strong powers. He restores and heals societyand heals society

Sometimes the society accepts his gifts Sometimes the society accepts his gifts while other times they may not be ready.while other times they may not be ready.

Heroic ArchetypesHeroic Archetypes Hero as warrior (Odysseus): A near god-like hero faces physical challenges and Hero as warrior (Odysseus): A near god-like hero faces physical challenges and

external enemiesexternal enemies Hero as lover (Prince Charming): A pure love motivate hero to complete his questHero as lover (Prince Charming): A pure love motivate hero to complete his quest Hero as Scapegoat (Jesus): Hero suffers for the sake of othersHero as Scapegoat (Jesus): Hero suffers for the sake of others Transcendent Hero: The hero of tragedy whose fatal flaw brings about his downfall, but Transcendent Hero: The hero of tragedy whose fatal flaw brings about his downfall, but

not without achieving some kind of transforming realization or wisdom (Greek and not without achieving some kind of transforming realization or wisdom (Greek and Shakespearean tragedies—Oedipus, Hamlet, Macbeth, etc.)Shakespearean tragedies—Oedipus, Hamlet, Macbeth, etc.)

Romantic/Gothic Hero: Hero/lover with a decidedly dark side (Mr. Rochester in Romantic/Gothic Hero: Hero/lover with a decidedly dark side (Mr. Rochester in Jane Jane EyreEyre))

Proto-Feminist Hero: Female heroes (Proto-Feminist Hero: Female heroes (The AwakeningThe Awakening by Kate Chopin) by Kate Chopin) Apocalyptic Hero: Hero who faces the possible destruction of societyApocalyptic Hero: Hero who faces the possible destruction of society Anti-Hero: A non-hero, given the vocation of failure, frequently humorous (Homer Anti-Hero: A non-hero, given the vocation of failure, frequently humorous (Homer

Simpson)Simpson) Defiant Anti-hero: Opposer of society’s definition of heroism/goodness. (Defiant Anti-hero: Opposer of society’s definition of heroism/goodness. (Heart of Heart of

DarknessDarkness)) Unbalanced Hero: The Protagonist who has (or must pretend to have) mental or Unbalanced Hero: The Protagonist who has (or must pretend to have) mental or

emotional deficiencies (emotional deficiencies (Hamlet, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest)Hamlet, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest) The Other—the Denied Hero: The protagonist whose status or essential otherness The Other—the Denied Hero: The protagonist whose status or essential otherness

makes heroism possible (makes heroism possible (Invisible ManInvisible Man by Ralph Ellison, by Ralph Ellison, The Joy Luck ClubThe Joy Luck Club by Amy by Amy Tan)Tan)

The Superheroic: Exaggerates the normal proportions of humanity; frequently has divine The Superheroic: Exaggerates the normal proportions of humanity; frequently has divine or supernatural origins. In some sense, the superhero is one apart, someone who does or supernatural origins. In some sense, the superhero is one apart, someone who does not quite belong, but who is nonetheless needed by society. (Mythological heroes, not quite belong, but who is nonetheless needed by society. (Mythological heroes, Superman)Superman)

Archetypal JourneysArchetypal Journeys The quest for identityThe quest for identity The epic journey to find the promised land/to found The epic journey to find the promised land/to found

the good citythe good city The quest for vengeanceThe quest for vengeance The warrior’s journey to save his peopleThe warrior’s journey to save his people The search for love (to rescue the princess/damsel The search for love (to rescue the princess/damsel

in distress)in distress) The journey in search of knowledgeThe journey in search of knowledge The tragic quest: penance or self-denialThe tragic quest: penance or self-denial The fool’s errandThe fool’s errand The quest to rid the land of dangerThe quest to rid the land of danger The grail quest (the quest for human perfection)The grail quest (the quest for human perfection)

Characteristics of the Characteristics of the Hero’s JourneyHero’s Journey

The hero is naïve and inexperiencedThe hero is naïve and inexperienced The hero meets monsters or monstrous menThe hero meets monsters or monstrous men The hero has a strange, wise being as a mentorThe hero has a strange, wise being as a mentor The hero years for the beautiful lady who is sometimes his guide or inspirationThe hero years for the beautiful lady who is sometimes his guide or inspiration The hero must go on a journey, learn a lesson, change in some way, and return homeThe hero must go on a journey, learn a lesson, change in some way, and return home The hero often crosses a body of water or travels on a bridge.The hero often crosses a body of water or travels on a bridge. The hero is born and raised in a rural setting away from citiesThe hero is born and raised in a rural setting away from cities The origin of the hero is mysterious or the hero losses his/her parents at a young age, The origin of the hero is mysterious or the hero losses his/her parents at a young age,

being raised by animals or a wise guardianbeing raised by animals or a wise guardian The hero returns to the land of his/her birth in disguise or as an unknownThe hero returns to the land of his/her birth in disguise or as an unknown The hero is special, one of a kind. He/she might represent a whole nation or cultureThe hero is special, one of a kind. He/she might represent a whole nation or culture The hero struggles for something valuable and importantThe hero struggles for something valuable and important The hero has help from divine or supernatural forcesThe hero has help from divine or supernatural forces The hero has a guide or guidesThe hero has a guide or guides The hero goes through a rite of passage or initiation, an event that marks a change from an The hero goes through a rite of passage or initiation, an event that marks a change from an

immature to a more mature understanding of the worldimmature to a more mature understanding of the world The hero undergoes some type of ritual or ceremony after his/her initiationThe hero undergoes some type of ritual or ceremony after his/her initiation The hero has a loyal band of companionsThe hero has a loyal band of companions The hero makes a stirring speech to his/her companionsThe hero makes a stirring speech to his/her companions The hero engages in tests or contests of strength (physical and/or mental) and shows pride The hero engages in tests or contests of strength (physical and/or mental) and shows pride

in his/her excellencein his/her excellence The hero suffers an unhealable wound, sometimes an emotional or spiritual wound from The hero suffers an unhealable wound, sometimes an emotional or spiritual wound from

which the hero never completely recovers.which the hero never completely recovers.

Character Archetypes Character Archetypes The HeroThe Hero The Hero is a protagonist whose life is a series The Hero is a protagonist whose life is a series

of well-marked adventures. The circumstances of well-marked adventures. The circumstances of his birth are unusual, and he is raised by a of his birth are unusual, and he is raised by a guardian. He will have to leave his kingdom, guardian. He will have to leave his kingdom, only to return to it upon reaching manhood. only to return to it upon reaching manhood. Characterized by courage, strength, and Characterized by courage, strength, and honor, the hero will endure hardship, even risk honor, the hero will endure hardship, even risk his life for the good of all. Leaves the familiar his life for the good of all. Leaves the familiar to enter an unfamiliar and challenging world. to enter an unfamiliar and challenging world.

The MentorThe Mentor The Mentor is an older, wiser teacher to the The Mentor is an older, wiser teacher to the initiates. He often serves as a father or mother initiates. He often serves as a father or mother figure. He gives the hero gifts (weapons, food, figure. He gives the hero gifts (weapons, food, magic, information), serves as a role model or magic, information), serves as a role model or as hero’s conscience. as hero’s conscience.

The Devil Figure The Devil Figure This character is evil incarnate. Sometimes This character is evil incarnate. Sometimes the devil figure has the potential to be good. the devil figure has the potential to be good. This person is usually saved by the love of the This person is usually saved by the love of the hero. hero.

The Platonic Ideal The Platonic Ideal A woman who is a source of A woman who is a source of inspiration to the hero, who has an inspiration to the hero, who has an intellectual rather than physical intellectual rather than physical attraction to her attraction to her

Damsel in Distress Damsel in Distress A vulnerable woman who needs to A vulnerable woman who needs to be rescued by the hero. She is often be rescued by the hero. She is often used as a trap to ensnare the used as a trap to ensnare the unsuspecting hero. unsuspecting hero.

The Temptress or Black Goddess The Temptress or Black Goddess Characterized by sensuous beauty, Characterized by sensuous beauty, this woman is one to whom the this woman is one to whom the protagonist is physically attracted protagonist is physically attracted and who ultimately brings about his and who ultimately brings about his downfall. May appear as a witch or downfall. May appear as a witch or vampire vampire

Star-Crossed Lovers Star-Crossed Lovers Two characters engaged in a love Two characters engaged in a love affair fated to end tragically for one affair fated to end tragically for one or both due to the disapproval of or both due to the disapproval of society, friends, family, or some society, friends, family, or some tragic situation. tragic situation.

Symbolic ArchetypesSymbolic Archetypes Light vs. Light vs. Darkness Darkness

Light usually suggests hope, Light usually suggests hope, renewal, or intellectual illumination; renewal, or intellectual illumination; darkness implies the unknown, darkness implies the unknown, ignorance, or despair. ignorance, or despair.

Fire and Fire and Ice Ice

Fire represents knowledge, light, Fire represents knowledge, light, life, and rebirth, while ice, like the life, and rebirth, while ice, like the desert, represents ignorance, desert, represents ignorance, darkness, sterility, and death. darkness, sterility, and death.

Nature vs. Nature vs. MechanistMechanistic World ic World

Nature is good while technology is Nature is good while technology is evil. evil.

Water vs. Desert Water vs. Desert Because Water is necessary to life and growth, it commonly Because Water is necessary to life and growth, it commonly appears as a birth symbol, as baptism symbolizes a spiritual appears as a birth symbol, as baptism symbolizes a spiritual birth. Rain, rivers, oceans, etc. also function the same way. The birth. Rain, rivers, oceans, etc. also function the same way. The Desert suggests the opposite Desert suggests the opposite

Colors Colors Red: blood, sacrifice, passion, disorderRed: blood, sacrifice, passion, disorder

Green: growth, hope, fertilityGreen: growth, hope, fertility

Blue: highly positive, security, tranquility, spiritual purityBlue: highly positive, security, tranquility, spiritual purity

Black: darkness, chaos, mystery, the unknown, death, wisdom, Black: darkness, chaos, mystery, the unknown, death, wisdom, evil, melancholyevil, melancholy

White: light, purity, innocence, timelessness (negatives: death, White: light, purity, innocence, timelessness (negatives: death, horror, supernatural)horror, supernatural)

Yellow: enlightenment, wisdom Yellow: enlightenment, wisdom

Numbers Numbers 3—light, spiritual awareness, unity (holy trinity), male principle3—light, spiritual awareness, unity (holy trinity), male principle

4—associated with the circle, life cycle, four seasons, female 4—associated with the circle, life cycle, four seasons, female principle, earth, nature, elementsprinciple, earth, nature, elements

7—the most potent of all symbolic numbers signifying the union 7—the most potent of all symbolic numbers signifying the union of three and four, the completion of a cycle, perfect order, of three and four, the completion of a cycle, perfect order, perfect number, religious symbolperfect number, religious symbol

Star Wars Viewing Star Wars Viewing QuestionsQuestions

Is Princess Leia a hero or simply a lady in Is Princess Leia a hero or simply a lady in distress? Why?distress? Why?

What do the costumes of the characters tell us What do the costumes of the characters tell us about the characters personality? Give three about the characters personality? Give three examples.examples.

Give two examples of sound effects, and Give two examples of sound effects, and explain how they help the story. Be specific.explain how they help the story. Be specific.

What role do the ‘droids fill? How do you react What role do the ‘droids fill? How do you react to them emotionally?to them emotionally?

Give an example of how the music is used in Give an example of how the music is used in this film. Be specific.this film. Be specific.

What makes Darth Vader such a good villain? What makes Darth Vader such a good villain? Give specific reasons.Give specific reasons.

Hero’s Journey for Hero’s Journey for Star Star WarsWars

Call to Adventure

Helper

Threshold of Adventure

Tests

Helpers

Flight

Elixir

Power of Myth Review Power of Myth Review Questions (pp. 123-130)Questions (pp. 123-130)

According to Campbell why are there so many hero myths?According to Campbell why are there so many hero myths? What is a hero?What is a hero? What is the basic motif of the hero’s journey?What is the basic motif of the hero’s journey? According to Campbell, can women be heroes? ExplainAccording to Campbell, can women be heroes? Explain Is being a hero easy? ExplainIs being a hero easy? Explain Does a hero always serve a moral objective? Explain. For example, Does a hero always serve a moral objective? Explain. For example,

using Campbell’s conception of a hero, can Osama Bin Laden be using Campbell’s conception of a hero, can Osama Bin Laden be considered a hero? Explainconsidered a hero? Explain

In a vision quest myth, what is the ultimate objective?In a vision quest myth, what is the ultimate objective?   According to Campbell, what are the 2 types of heroes?According to Campbell, what are the 2 types of heroes? Skim the rest of the chapter and locate a discussion about a person Skim the rest of the chapter and locate a discussion about a person

Campbell considers a hero. Why does Campbell consider him/her a Campbell considers a hero. Why does Campbell consider him/her a hero? Do you agree?hero? Do you agree?

Look at p. 136. What does Campbell mean by the “hero with a Look at p. 136. What does Campbell mean by the “hero with a thousand faces?”thousand faces?”

The Hero’s JourneyThe Hero’s Journey

Call to Adventure

Helper

Threshold of Adventure

Tests

Helpers

Flight

Elixir

Watch Star Wars and chart the Hero’s journey using specific examples

ProjectsProjects  Choice of projectsChoice of projects Do you have a hero? Explain what makes that person a hero. Do you have a hero? Explain what makes that person a hero.

Do you think our society values this person as a hero like you? Do you think our society values this person as a hero like you? Are there certain professions that are more heroic than others? Are there certain professions that are more heroic than others? Your opinions should reflect consideration of Campbell’s ideas Your opinions should reflect consideration of Campbell’s ideas of a hero and the various hero archetypes.of a hero and the various hero archetypes.

Do you think that you have the capability to become a hero? If Do you think that you have the capability to become a hero? If so, explain the qualities you possess that have the potential for so, explain the qualities you possess that have the potential for acts of heroism. Are there any situations in which you think it acts of heroism. Are there any situations in which you think it would be beneficial to put yourself so as to “evoke your higher would be beneficial to put yourself so as to “evoke your higher nature?”nature?”

Pick a movie (ie, Star Wars) or a story (ie, the Gilgamesh or Pick a movie (ie, Star Wars) or a story (ie, the Gilgamesh or Ramayana). Analyze the work in terms of its use of the Ramayana). Analyze the work in terms of its use of the archetypes from the Hero myth.  archetypes from the Hero myth.  

Sources and CreditsSources and Credits Joseph CampbellJoseph Campbell Various websites from Various websites from

http://www.webenglishteacher.com/hero.html http://www.webenglishteacher.com/hero.html http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/

The_Hero_with_a_Thousand_Faces The_Hero_with_a_Thousand_Faces http://ias.berkeley.edu/orias/hero/ http://ias.berkeley.edu/orias/hero/ http://titan.sfasu.edu/~beenet/resources/http://titan.sfasu.edu/~beenet/resources/

heromain.html heromain.html http://titan.sfasu.edu/~beenet/resources/http://titan.sfasu.edu/~beenet/resources/

heromain.html heromain.html http://www.yourheroicjourney.com/ http://www.yourheroicjourney.com/ http://www.skepticfiles.org/atheist2/hero.htm http://www.skepticfiles.org/atheist2/hero.htm