DC ENGLISH QUARTER 3

Terms: 

Narcissism: When someone only thinks about themselves. They are characterized as  self-centered and selfish.

Herald: the bringer of news

Mentor: someone who is experienced and a trusted adviser, and can help guide younger or inexperienced people.

Talisman: a person regarded as representing and inspiring a particular group.

Threshold guardian: an archetypal character who stands between the hero and their goal

Boon/Elixir: the treasure the hero seeks (whether physical or non-physical).

Amulet: is a piece of jewelry

Joseph Campbell's The Hero's Journey Steps:

The Call to Adventure (page 139); *Define the term: herald

 Quote: “the  "herald";  the  crisis  of his  appearance  is the  "call  to adventure." The herald's summons may be to live, as in the present instance,  or, at a  later moment of the  biography,  to die. It may sound  the  call  to  some high historical undertaking.  Or it may mark  the  dawn  of  religious illumination” (Campbell 47).

Explanation: the herald is the bringer of news, the herald appears in the hero's life when the hero needs to right a wrong. the herald announces that the problem is ready for the hero to solve. The hero is made aware of an adventure they need to take or a problem they need to solve. There can be multiple calls from multiple heralds. 

II. Refusal of the Call (page 148)

Quote: “Often in actual life, and not infrequently in the myths and popular tales, we encounter the dull case of the call unanswered; for it is always possible to turn the ear to other interests. Refusal of the summons converts the adventure into its negative. Walled in boredom, hard work, or "culture," the subject loses the power of significant affirmative action and becomes a victim to be saved” (Campbell 54).

Explanation: When a hero gets a call to adventure, they often prefer to reject the action because they are unwilling to step outside of their comfort zone. The refusal of the call to the action of adventure can defer from the hero and their stories. Refusing the call of action is the hero not being able to accept the responsibility of adulthood, it can be seen as a transformation from childhood to adulthood, as these adventures are filled with impactful experiences and wise knowledge. At some point the hero does accept the call of adventure and begins their journey. 

III. Supernatural Aid (page 157); *Define the term: mentor and amulet/talisman

Quote: “For those who have not refused the call, the first encounter of the hero-journey is with a protective figure (often a little old crone or old man) who provides the adventurer with amulets against the dragon forces he is about to pass” (Campbell 63).

Explanation: A mentor is someone who is experienced and a trusted adviser, and can help guide younger or inexperienced people. A talisman is a person regarded as representing and inspiring a particular group. After the hero has embraced the call of action and starts their adventure, they encounter an older adviser that helps them guide them through the journey. These skills that help us become successful are taught by older mentors. The mentor has to give something important to the hero like an object or knowledge. Mentors represent the protection of destiny and are a form of supernatural aid, the hero needs to start the adventure and trust in their ability that the mentor will help guide them in the early stages of their journey. An amulet is a piece of jewelry. The mentor who is older and wiser trains and guides the hero for the adventure that lies ahead. 

IV. The Crossing of the First Threshold (page 165); *Define the term: threshold guardian

Quote: “With the personifications of his destiny to guide and aid him, the hero goes forward in his adventure until he comes to the "threshold guardian" at the entrance to the zone of magnified power. Such custodians bound the world in the four directions— also up and down—standing for the limits of the hero's present sphere, or life horizon. Beyond them is darkness, the unknown, and danger; just as beyond the parental watch is danger to the infant and beyond the protection of his society danger to the member of the tribe. The usual person is more than content, he is even proud, to remain within the indicated bounds, and popu­lar belief gives him every reason to fear so much as the first step into the unexplored” (Campbell 65).

Explanation: A threshold guardian is an archetypal character who stands between the hero and their goal. The hero must try something new in order to overcome challenges. A threshold is another word for a doorway frame. Which in this perspective is the doorway to his normal world to the unknown world. As soon as the hero takes his first step into the unknown within their adventure, they will experience their first trial which is the person who prevents the hero from going into the adventurous world. It is seen as a test that the threshold guardian exposes that the adventure is filled with danger and needs grand responsibility to achieve success. The hero needs to face challenges in order to achieve their full potential. The unknown and challenges the hero faces during the adventure of the unknown is a reflection of the unconscious content, how the hero deals with the challenges is a mere reflection of their maturity and potential. The hero needs to surpass the threshold guardian in order to experience new perceptions. These threshold guardians can be good and bad. 

V. The Road of Trials (page 183)

Quote: “ONCE having traversed the threshold, the hero moves in a dream landscape of curiously fluid, ambiguous forms, where he must survive a succession of trials. This is a favorite phase of the myth-adventure. It has produced a world literature of miraculous tests and ordeals. The hero is covertly aided by the advice, amulets, and secret agents of the supernatural helper whom he met before his entrance into this region. Or it may be that he here discovers for the first time that there is a benign power everywhere sup­porting him in his superhuman passage” (Campbell 89).

Explanation: You cannot have a story without conflict. When the hero starts the story he will have companions like his mentors and allies. On the road of trials the hero is being changed and his character is being developed. Each test and trial the character grows a little bit into the character that he is meant to be. These steps are essential to experience maturity, growing out of our childhood and growing into adulthood. The only way some heroes can develop is to put their ego aside and leave their selfishness behind. Although selfishness might be essential at some point in our life to only take care of ourselves, as we grow older we can begin to think about how to give back to our community. Some heroes are self-serving and can test themselves by putting their ego aside. The main idea of this chapter is primarily about character development, and will grow and mature through the trials they face. 

VI. The Belly of the Whale (page 177); *Use the term: boon/elixir\

Quote: “The idea that the passage of the magical threshold is a transit into a sphere of rebirth is symbolized in the worldwide womb image of the belly of the whale. The hero, instead of conquering or conciliating the power of the threshold, is swallowed into the unknown, and would appear to have died” (Campbell 83). 

Explanation: The hero faces his most dangerous and deathly trial. The transition to the underworld and back and sometimes the hero needs to be reborn after their most dangerous challenges and swallowed by darkness only to be reborn as a greater character. This step provides suspenses and tension for the audience. This solidifies the heroic factors of the hero. This gives efficiency on character developments by letting your old self die and being reborn and goes through internal change. It illustrates the change the hero will experience a life-renewing act. boon/elixir is the treasure the hero seeks (whether physical or non-physical). This treasure will help the hero save the day and defeat the forces of evil. There is a specific place where the belly of the whale occurs, usually the evil peoples' lair or headquarters, deep within enemy territory. 

VII. The Magic Flight (page 276)

Quote: “If the hero in his triumph wins the blessing of the goddess or the god and is then explicitly commissioned to return to the world with some elixir for the restoration of society, the final stage of his adventure is supported by all the powers of his supernatural patron. On the other hand, if the trophy has been attained against the opposition of its guardian, or if the hero's wish to re­turn to the world has been resented by the gods or demons, then the last stage of the mythological round becomes a lively, often comical, pursuit. This flight may be complicated by marvels of magical obstruction and evasion” (Campbell 182) 

Explanation: This part of the adventure highlights the hero begins his final stage of his journey. This adventure home can be as dangerous as the initial beginning of his journey, this may include new trials and challenges as the hero attempts to return home with their new found sense of knowledge or precious treasure. The forces of evil may be after the hero themselves or the treasure they possess. This is where he is supported by his powers to return back home as they aid the hero with assistance.

VIII. The Crossing of the Return Threshold (page 295)

Quote: “his return is described as a coming back out of that yonder zone. Nevertheless—and here is a great key to the understanding of myth and symbol— the two kingdoms are actually one. The realm of the gods is a forgotten dimension of the world we know. And the exploration of that dimension, either willingly or unwillingly, is the whole sense of the deed of the hero” (Campbell 202).

Explanation: This stage is crucial to the hero's journey because it is when the heroes integrate back into their ordinary lives and the adventure of them returning home begins. The hero faces challenges like applying their new knowledge, skills, and what they've learned in ways that will positively help and impact their ordinary world. This stage involves a period of adjustment and the hero finding a way to convey their newfound wisdom to others.

IX. Master of the Two Worlds (page 307)

Quote: “The meaning is very clear; it is the meaning of all religious practice. The individual, through prolonged psychological disciplines, gives up completely all attachment to his personal limitations, idiosyncrasies, hopes and fears, no longer resists the self-annihilation that is prerequisite to rebirth in the realization of truth, and so becomes ripe, at last, for the great at-one-ment. His personal ambitions being totally dissolved, he no longer tries to live but willingly relaxes to whatever may come to pass in him; he becomes, that is to say, an anonymity. The Law lives in him with his unreserved consent” (Campbell 220).

Explanation: This step happens near the end of the story after they have successfully returned home from their adventure with their gain of wisdom and knowledge they obtain at the end of their journey. It signifies the heroes ability to reconcile their experiences from the extraordinary world with their ordinary lives. The heroes' newly obtained wisdom or enlightenment allows them to move easily between the two worlds with their newfound skills and knowledge. This mastery allows the hero to find balance and harmony between their worlds, which can either be spirituals or in materialistic aspects. This emphasizes the hero's transformation and the importance of integrating the journeys lessons into their daily lives. 

X. Freedom to Live (page 315)

Quote: “The goal of the myth is to dispel the need for such life ignorance by effecting a reconciliation of the individual consciousness with the universal will. And this is effected through a realization of the true relationship of the passing phenomena of time to the imperishable life that lives and dies in all.” (Campbell 315).

Explanation: This is the final stage and this step signifies the hero's release from the fear of death and the constraints of their past. Finally having completed their journey and having used their new experiences and wisdom, the hero is free from anxiety and pressure that once held them back and lives in the moment. The hero has finally achieved a sense of peace and fulfillment. They no longer seek for the validation of others and now know their own worth since they have found inner contentment and understanding.

Writer's Journey Research Quotes

Step 1

Quote: Vogler illustrates Campbell’s idea of the hero’s journey by stating, ”despite its infinite variety, the hero's story is always a journey. A hero leaves her comfortable, ordinary surroundings to venture into a challenging, unfamiliar world” (Vogler 43).  

Step 2

Quote: There are many different settings the journey can take place, Vogler notes, “It may be an outward journey to an actual place: a labyrinth, forest or cave, a strange city or country, a new locale that becomes the arena for her conflict with 

antagonistic, challenging forces” (Vogler 47).

Step 3 

Quote: Vogler uses Star Wars as an example to explain the role of a mentor, stating, “They may give advice, guidance or magical equipment. Obi Wan in Star Wars gives Luke his father's light-saber, which he will need in his battles with the dark side of the Force. 

In The Wizard of Oz, Glinda the Good Witch gives Dorothy guidance and the ruby slippers that will eventually get her home again” (Vogler 48).

Step 4

Quote: As the hero begins their journey, there comes a point where they must continue. Vogler states, “The First Threshold marks the turning point between Acts One and Two. The hero, having overcome fear, has decided to confront the problem and take action. She is now committed to the journey and there's no turning back” (Vogler 49).

Step 5

Quote: There are many obstacles the hero must overcome, Vogler notes, “Once across the First Threshold, the hero naturally encounters new challenges and Tests, makes Allies and Enemies, and begins to learn the rules of the Special World” (Vogler 49).

Step 6

Quote: Vogler expresses the dangers the hero must face in order to succeed. He illustrates, “The hero comes at last to the edge of a dangerous place, sometimes deep underground, 

where the object of the quest is hidden. Often it's the headquarters of the hero's greatest enemy, the most dangerous spot in the Special World, the Inmost Cave. When the hero enters that fearful place he will cross the second major threshold. Heroes often pause at the gate to prepare, plan, and outwit the villain's guards. This is the phase of Approach” (Vogler 50).