Hero's Journey Stages: From Call to Return in Mythology

The Call to Adventure

A normal occurrence motivates the hero to acknowledge an unknown aspect of his/her world, feels a restlessness with the constraints of his/her life, or find a new world that s/he was not aware existed.

The Refusal of the Call

The hero chooses not to move forward in life because s/he chooses to not give up his/her position, power, ideals, goals, or responsibilities; the refusal is often based on his/her fear of the unknown and comfort in the familiar. Usually secondary characters support the hero's refusal.

Supernatural Aid

The inexperienced hero is provided a supernatural, guiding, and/or guarding character, or an instrumental item (sword, encouragement, etc.) to assist his/her step forward into the unknown.

Crossing of the First Threshold

The hero moves out of his/her comfort zone and walks alone. S/he is confronted with an obstacle that must be overcome before s/he can fully enter the dangers of the unknown journey.

The Belly of the Whale

A metaphor for the hero's rebirth as a hero. In order to 'depart,' the hero must let go of his old identity and become a new person. S/he is confronted with an obstacle that must be overcome before s/he can fully enter the dangers of the unknown journey. This transition can be physical or mental.

The Road of Trials

As a hero, the hero must face a series of tests. The hero doesn't always succeed at all of them, but the trials are necessary for his physical and mental development and will most likely affect the outcome of the journey.

The Meeting with the Goddess

The hero meets an ideal (in ancient myths a goddess; in modern stories a soul mate) and sees the possibilities of his/her journey. This supernatural, human, or symbolic ideal encourages him/her forward.

Woman as Temptress

The woman as the temptress can literally be a woman who distracts the hero from continuing his journey or a metaphorical distraction that diverts the hero's attention from the task at hand.

The 'woman'

Represents anything that is a temptation for the hero to abandon his goal.

Atonement with the Father

A situation where the hero encounters or confronts his father or a 'father-figure,' resulting in the hero's spiritual growth or rebirth.

Apotheosis

The hero moves beyond the final terrors of change founded in ignorance, adding a spiritual element to his/her journey.

The Ultimate Boon

The hero becomes self-assured and often receives physical gifts and/or emotional rewards, achieving what he went on the journey to achieve.

RETURN

Through the hero's ultimate sacrifice of self, s/he walks in an enlightened state.

Refusal of the Return

After a life-changing event resulting in positive outcomes, the hero doesn't want to go back to his boring, insignificant life.

The Magic Flight

The hero flees toward safety to thwart attempts to take back the treasure, power, ability, or wisdom.

Rescue from Without

The hero is unable to save him/herself and is helped by others to return 'home,' understanding the importance of what is accomplished.

The Crossing of the Return Threshold

The hero must face evil or its leader, realizing that home is no longer a place but a state of being.

Master of the Two Worlds

The hero has the ability, power, or wisdom without limitations to relax in whatever world s/he finds him/herself.

Freedom to Live

The hero combines the workings of unenlightened and enlightened societies into one world, living life to the fullest.