HERO'S JOURNEY

Hero’s Journey

• common narrative, archetype, or story template, that involves a hero who goes on an adventure, learns a lesson, wins a victory with that newfound knowledge, then returns home transformed

The Ordinary World

• often the heroes are considered odd by those in the ordinary world

• makes them feel out of place

The Call to Adventure

• must be called away from the ordinary world in the form of a message, a dream, or an encounter with a mentor or guide

• must be removed from the comfort of the hero’s ordinary world and is presented a challenge or quest that must be undertaken

Refusal of the Quest

• faced with a choice: accept the quest or deny it

• a refusal only brings trouble

• heroes who refuse their quest often become characters in need of rescuing or the villain of another hero’s journey

Accepting the Call

• heroes advance into the next stage of their journey

Entering the Unknown

• heroes enter a world they have never experienced before

• the new world the hero is forced into is much different filled with adventure than the old one

Supernatural Aid

• supernatural simply means “above the laws of nature”

• this supernatural character often gives them the means to complete the quest, some of the gift is simply wisdom

• to give the heroes what they need to finish the quest—not finish it for them

Talisman

• a special (often magical) items

• object that is thought to have magic powers and to bring good luck

• assist the heroes on their quest

Allies/Helpers

• without the assistance of their companions and helpers along the way, most heroes would fail miserably

• every hero needs a helper

Tests and the Supreme Ordeal

• the heroes progress through a series of tests, a set of obstacles that make them stronger, preparing them for their final showdown

• at long last they reach the supreme ordeal, the obstacle they have journeyed so far to overcome

• once this obstacle is overcome, the tension will be relieved

Reward and the Journey Home

• reward given to the heroes for passing the supreme ordeal

• could be a kingdom or the hand of a beautiful princess

• the reward for the heroes’ endurance and strength

Master of Two Worlds/Restoring Balance

• the heroes have also grown in spirit and strength

• by achieving victory, they have changed or preserved their original world

• they have proved themselves worthy for marriage, kingship, or queenship