The Hero’s Journey:The Circular Path
Step 1:Getting the Call
Step 2:Picking up a sidekick
and a helper
Step 3:Crossing Over
Step 4:Trials and
Tribulations
Step 5:Hitting bottom
And getting thereward
Step 6:The Return
Step 7:Heading Home
Step 8:Saving the
World
Ordinary World
Extraordinary World(Supernatural World)
Separation
Initiation
Return
The Call to Adventure:Our hero/heroine is given his/her first
notice that everything is about to change.
They are about to begin the adventure. The hero/heroine may be reluctant to go.
He/she embarks on a perilous journey.
The sidekick and helper volunteer to go along to help and support the hero/heroine.
The sidekick can be clumsy, awkward and make mistakes – ultimately his/her goal is to help the hero
The helper is usually more than just a friend.
The mentor is a teacher – he has more wisdom, knowledge and experience. He gives the hero his/her gifts
Crossing the Threshold signifies that the hero/heroine has committed to the journey.
Our hero officially begins his/her journey, leaving the comfort of his/her known world or life.
Crosses the gateway that separates the Ordinary World form the Extraordinary World.
Our hero must face trials, ordeals, or situations that bring about the changes
These ordeals can threaten the
hero/heroine, sidekick and helper.
The hero/heroine may receive a magical aid, or powerful tool.
The Initiation into the Extraordinary World also tests the hero/heroine’s commitment to the journey.
The hero/heroine is at the lowest possible point, “the nadir.”
The hero/heroine undergoes a supreme ordeal: a test of strength, smarts and will.
After a struggle with the villain or “shadow,” the journey is over.
The hero/heroine gains the reward, “the boon.” The reward comes in many forms: a magical sword, an elixir, or greater knowledge.
The hero/heroine has been transformed.
The hero/heroine must finally recommit to completing the journey and accept the road back to the Ordinary World.
Like crossing the Threshold, the hero/heroine needs an event that will push him/her back through into the Ordinary World.
When the hero/heroine returns home, they are greatly changed.
They have learned much about the world and themselves.
The hero/heroine must look inside themselves.
“The boon” or reward the hero/heroine brings home restores the world.
Things are returned to normal, and there is a great recognition given to the hero/heroine for his/her efforts.