THE HERO’S JOURNEY As seen in the Harry Potter series

WHAT IS THE HERO’S JOURNEY? An ancient story pattern found in myths, legends, and stories from different cultures and time periods. Ancient hero stories, such as The Odyssey or King Arthur, were not written with an awareness of this pattern. Joseph Campbell, an American mythological researcher, discovered many common patterns through hero myths and from stories around the world. Published in 1949

THE HERO The hero symbolizes important ideals and values of his or her home culture. The hero’s birth is surrounded by unusual circumstances. The hero is called to leave home, aided by a wise guide, given a special talisman, crosses the threshold, accomplishes challenging tasks, achieves a goal, reconciles with his or her father-figure, and returns home. “A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.” Christopher Reeve “A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.” Joseph Campbell

1 STAGE: THE CALL TO ADVENTURE The hero lives in the ordinary world and often finds himself or herself dreaming of adventure. This ordinary world seems boring to the hero _____________Harry Potter______________ Harry is mistreated by his aunt, uncle, and cousin. Lives under the stairs. Receives his call to adventure when he begins receiving letters from Hogwarts.

2 ND STAGE: REFUSAL OF THE CALL: THE HERO CITES HIS OR OWN WEAKNESS OR FEAR TO AVOID THE CALL Harry’s uncle actually refuses the call to adventure for Harry at first. He attempts to keep Harry from receiving his letters and then moves them to a remote mini island. Harry also briefly refuses the call when Hagrid first tells him he’s a wizard.

3 RD STAGE: MEETING THE MENTOR: A WISER AND OFTEN OLDER CHARACTER PRESENTS THE HERO WITH IMPORTANT WISDOM. Hagrid serves as Harry’s first guide into the magical world. Dumbledore also serves as Harry’s guide throughout his quest to kill Voldemort.

4 TH STAGE: CROSSING THE THRESHOLD/ TALISMAN The hero journey’s into the magical world, leaving the ordinary world behind. Hagrid takes Harry to Diagon Alley to get all of his things for school. The hero receives a talisman or weapon to aid on their journey. Harry’s wand is the talisman that aids his journey into the magical world, and his fight with Voldemort.

5 TH STAGE: TESTS, ALLIES, ENEMIES The hero faces a variety of tests that increase the hero’s strength and prepares him or her for the supreme ordeal. The enemy faces enemies that try to stop his quest but the allies help the hero. Harry faces many tests throughout the series that ultimately lead up to his fight with Dumbledore. Harry’s two best friends, Hermione and Ron, serve as his main allies. However, many teachers and friends help Harry on his quest to defeat Voldemort.

6 TH STAGE: APPROACHING THE INMOST CAVE: THE HERO FINALLY REACHES THE MOST DANGEROUS PART OF THE JOURNEY. In this stage, the hero faces the main antagonist and proves their worth. In the HP series, Harry faces many dangerous “caves” along his journey. First book: Harry and Professor Quirrel/Voldemort. Last book: Harry finally faces Voldemort Stop last video before 3:20!!

7 TH STAGE: THE SUPREME ORDEAL: THE HERO DEFEATS THE SHADOW. At some point in this battle, it may seem as though the hero will fail or even died. When Harry finally battles Voldemort, he has to die first, but then he comes back and ultimately overpowers Voldemort. Harry realizes he is the last horcrux and must let Voldemort destroy that part of him before he can kill Voldemort.

8 TH STAGE: REWARD/SEIZING THE SWORD: THE HERO RECEIVES AN AWARD FOR DEFEATING THE ANTAGONIST. Sometimes, the award is something that will help the hero make the world a better place. In HP series, the ultimate reward is Voldemort’s death and the demise of his reign.

9 TH STAGE: THE RETURN HOME Although the shadow/bad guy is defeated, the hero must return home Sometimes this journey home gives the hero a chance to reflect on his journey. In the HP series, Harry doesn’t go back to living a muggle life, but he does adjust to living without a supreme journey. Harry starts a life in the magical world. Begin video at 3:10

10 TH STAGE: RESURRECTION/RESTORING THE WORLD The hero returns home and is stronger than ever. The hero can make the world a better place. In the HP series, Harry creates a better world when he defeats Voldemort and the Death Eaters split up. Harry starts a family and everyone is safer.