The Hero ’ s Journey Joseph Campbel l The Hero ’ s Journey Joseph Campbel l

Despite the media’s tendency to loosely use the term “hero,” there are a few necessary components. The true hero… brings hope to society is defined by acts of courage and bravery inspires people to pursue and achieve dreams …Most importantly, true heroes are willing to risk their lives for the good of another. What is a “ hero ”?

"A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself." - Joseph Campbell

An antihero is someone who does not have hero-like qualities and is often a character with poor morals and a lack of authority. The antihero is pulled into the story and becomes the “hero” despite their instincts and characteristics. The Antihero The character of Han Solo from Star Wars is the perfect example of the antihero.

Monomyth The monomyth: (often referred to as the Hero's Journey) is the cyclical journey undertaken by the standard mythological hero, as described by Campbell.

Monomyth The core concept of the monomyth is: “A hero ventures forth from the world of common day into a region of supernatural wonder: fabulous forces are there encountered and a decisive victory is won: the hero comes back from this mysterious adventure with the power to bestow boons on his fellow men.”

Monomyth The pattern of the monomyth is still found in modern mythology. The pattern can clearly be seen in the original Star Wars trilogy, as well as more recent films such as Spider-man and other super hero movies. A familiar example for many people is Disney’s The Lion King.

The Journey The Hero’s Journey is broken down into three distinct phases. Separation Initiation Return

Phase I Separation The Call to Adventure: An event occurs in which the hero is presented with a potential quest or adventure.An event occurs in which the hero is presented with a potential quest or adventure. In some stories, the hero will have troubling dreams that offer clues to the quest.In some stories, the hero will have troubling dreams that offer clues to the quest. Examples can easily be seen in movies like Star Wars, Iron Man, 300, The Matrix, Pan’s Labyrinth, and books like The Hobbit.Examples can easily be seen in movies like Star Wars, Iron Man, 300, The Matrix, Pan’s Labyrinth, and books like The Hobbit.

The Call is Resisted: The hero tries to ignore the call to adventure. Typically, the hero feels inadequate and is hesitant to leave the place of comfort.The Call is Resisted: The hero tries to ignore the call to adventure. Typically, the hero feels inadequate and is hesitant to leave the place of comfort. Helper/Guide Appears: A mentor figure appears to act as a guide along the adventure. This is a teacher who offers training and wisdom to the hero. Obi-Wan, Merlin, Gandalf, etc.Helper/Guide Appears: A mentor figure appears to act as a guide along the adventure. This is a teacher who offers training and wisdom to the hero. Obi-Wan, Merlin, Gandalf, etc. Talismans Supplied: Mentor figure offers items of importance that will aid along the journey.Talismans Supplied: Mentor figure offers items of importance that will aid along the journey. The hero leaves the home and accepts the adventure. Separation continued

There are numerous examples of mentors or in myth and fiction as well as in modern movies Star Wars has been labeled “the modern myth.” Within this myth, the character of Obi- Wan fulfills the role of the mentor or guide.

Mentors Uncle Ben in Spider-Man Morpheus in The Matrix Mr. Miyagi “V” in V for Vendetta Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings Dumbledore in Harry Potter

Separation Crossing of the Threshold The First Threshold: The Call to Adventure has been accepted by our hero-to-be. This is the first big step beyond the comfort zone. The hero eventually must cross into a dark underworld, where he will face evil and darkness, and thereby find true enlightenment. Before this can occur, however, the hero must cross the threshold between his home world and the new world of adventure.

Separation Crossing of the Threshold Often this involves defeating a “threshold guardian,” or making a difficult choice that acts as a gateway to their destiny. In The Matrix, Neo takes the “red pill” indicating his willingness to accept the adventure.

Separation Crossing of the Threshold In The Lord of the Rings, Frodo finally accepts his mission in Rivendell and crosses the threshold once he leaves there.

Phase II Initiation Trials Faced: Numerous trials occur. The hero must overcome obstacles and encounter challenges.Trials Faced: Numerous trials occur. The hero must overcome obstacles and encounter challenges. Supreme Ordeal Faced: The hero must overcome the greatest impediment to his quest. This is the heart of darkness, the moment of truth.Supreme Ordeal Faced: The hero must overcome the greatest impediment to his quest. This is the heart of darkness, the moment of truth.

The Reward/Maturity Won: The Atonement with the Father. The hero accepts his destiny, and confronts his father. Hero may succeed where the father has previously fallen. Father accepts the son. Death or loss of Guide. The guide/mentor figure perishes at the end of the journey. The Ultimate Boon. The hero also wins the boon of knowledge and greater understanding of the world. To be successful, the hero must have changed. This ultimate boon changes the hero into a better person. Initiation continued

Phase III Return The Return Begins: The hero becomes an emissary of knowledge and wisdom. He has a greater understanding of the world around him A Victorious Homecoming: Boons Gained. Hero must return with boons (treasures, knowledge, etc.) for the journey to be successful. If the hero returns unchanged, then the journey has failed.

Wisdom Offered: He reveals his knowledge of the outside world beyond the boundaries of home. Master of Two Worlds Achieved: Through his gained knowledge, the hero is able to pass back and forth from his home, or place of comfort, into the world abroad. Return continued

Your Personal Journey Consider a personal journey that you have undertaken in your life. This could be any type of experience from your life such as: a relationship, family vacation, high school sports, visiting a foreign country, moving to another state, or a powerful emotional moment that led you towards change. You will write a brief essay about this experience and be sure to include all three phases—Separation, Initiation, and Return. Remember to mention any boons that were gained in your journey Points

Your Personal Journey : Intro Here you will introduce the general idea of your journey. Be sure to reference what the Hero’s Journey is (you cannot assume your audience will know what you are talking about). Touch on basic concepts and provide a thesis. An example would be “Through my Seperation, Initiation, and Return, I became a better athlete and competitor than ever before.”

Your Personal Journey : First Body Paragraph In this paragraph you will discuss the Separation Phase of your journey. Mention what life was like before the changing event occurred. Was there a “call to adventure?” What would you consider to be your “first threshold?” Be specific in your details.

Your Personal Journey : Second Body Paragraph In the second body paragraph you will discuss your Initiation. This is the heart of the journey itself, and should include a number of specific details. Things to consider are the obstacles that were overcome, did you learn from failures, was a mentor figure involved, and what would you consider to be your “supreme ordeal.”

Your Personal Journey : Third Body Paragraph The third body paragraph is all about your “return.’ Your return is only successful if you changed, so you must be specific in the manner in which you changed. Did you receive boons? How have they impacted you?

Your Personal Journey : Concluding Paragraph Keep the conclusion short and sweet by just touching on the major points of the essay. Restate your thesis, wrap up loose ends and add final thoughts.