The Hero's Journey: 12 Stages

The 12 stages of a hero's journey!

Stage One: The Ordinary World

This is the original world of the hero, which “suffers from a symbolic deficiency.” The hero is lacking something, or something is taken from him.

Stage Two: The Call to Adventure

The hero is given a challenge, problem, or adventure. Often it appears as a blunder, or chance. This stage establishes the goal of the hero.

Stage Three: The Refusal of the Call

The (often) reluctant hero has to be set along by the correct path. He/she must weigh the consequences and be excited by a stronger motivation to proceed further.

Stage Four: Meeting the Mentor

The hero encounters a wise figure who prepares him/her for the journey. This figure (or item) gives advice, guidance, or an item, but cannot go with the hero.

Stage Five: Crossing the Threshold

The hero has committed to his task, and enters the special world. Often he is met by a threshold guardian.

Stage Six: Tests, Allies, and Enemies

In the special world, the hero learns the new rules by meeting people and obtaining new information. There is often a “local watering hole” component. This is where the true characteristics of the hero are revealed.

Stage Seven: Approach to the Innermost Cave

Now the hero, and often his allies, have come to the edge of the dangerous place where the “object of the quest” is hidden. This stage is often the land of the dead.

Stage Eight: The Ordeal

The hero faces danger, often a life-or-death moment that is either physical or psychological.

Stage Nine: The Reward

After surviving, the hero takes possession of the object, typically a treasure, weapon, knowledge, token, or reconciliation.

Stage Ten: The Road Back

The hero must now deal with the consequences of their actions. They may be pursued by remaining forced. They now face the decision to return to the ordinary world.

Stage Eleven: The Resurrection

one final test is required for the purification and rebirth of the hero. Alternatively, it may be a miraculous transformation.

Stage Twelve: Return with the Elixer

The triumphant hero returns to the ordinary world bearing the elixir. Common elixirs are treasure, love, freedom, wisdom, or knowledge.