The Hero’s Journey Mr. Pettine August 22, 2017

The Hero’s Journey https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGV1BvnyvGo&feature=related

Hero’s Journey Describes the typical adventure of the archetype known as the hero—a person who goes out and achieves great deeds on behalf of the group, tribe or civilization Archetypes – Greek arkhetupos, meaning “first moulded as a pattern” Archetypes are recurring patterns of human behavior, symbolized by standard types of characters in movies and stories.

Archetypes Archetypal Characters: Mother figures, Father figures, heroes, soul mates, witches, wise old men Archetypal Settings: Gardens, Deserts, Mythical Realms Archetypal Plots: Ritualized tales of quests, initiation, and sacrifice

The Epic Epic – long narrative poem celebrating episodes of a people’s heroic tradition May be wholly mythic in nature of include elements of history Traditional Epic – usually originally an oral poem, typically focusing on adventures of a hero representative of a civilization (Odyssey, Iliad) Literary Epic – a conscious, literary construction of an epic tale that is a imitation of the conventions of Traditional Epic (Paradise Lost, Aeneid)

Characteristics of an Epic A larger than life hero of national or historical importance embarks on a journey, or quest, in search of something of value Involvement of supernatural forces A vast setting (including physical and special or spiritual worlds) Has a basis in a culture or society Glorification of the hero at the end

The Hero’s journey ORDINARY WORLD SPECIAL WORLD 1. Ordinary World 12. Return with Elixir The Hero’s journey 2. Call to Adventure 3. Refusal of the Call 11. Resurrection 4. Meeting the Mentor ORDINARY WORLD 5. Crossing The Threshold 10. The Road Back SPECIAL WORLD 6. Tests, Allies, Enemies 9. Reward, Seizing the Sword 7. Approach 8. Ordeal, Death & Rebirth

Hero’s Journey - Stages The Ordinary World—Hero is introduced sympathetically so the audience can identify with the situation or dilemma. Some kind of conflict in the hero’s life is pulling in different directions and causing stress. The Call to Adventure—Something shakes up the situation, either external pressures or something within the hero, so the hero now faces the beginnings of change.

Hero’s Journey - Stages Refusal of the Call—The hero fears the unknown and tries to avoid the challenge, but only briefly. Meeting with the Mentor—The hero encounters a seasoned traveler who gives him/her training, equipment, or advice for the journey. Or the hero reaches within to a source of courage or wisdom.

Hero’s Journey - Stages Crossing the Threshold—The hero commits to leaving the ordinary world and enters a new region or realm with unfamiliar rules and/or values. Tests, Allies, and Enemies—The hero is tested and sorts out allegiances in the Special World. Approach—The hero and newfound allies (if any) prepare for the major challenge in the Special World.

Hero’s Journey - Stages Ordeal, Death & Rebirth—The hero enters the Special world and confronts death or faces his greatest fear. Out of the moment of death comes a new life. The Reward—The hero takes possession of the treasure won by facing death. There may be celebration, but there is also danger of losing the treasure again.

Hero’s Journey - Stages The Road Back—The hero is driven to complete the adventure, leaving the Special world to be sure the treasure is brought home. Often a chase scene signals the urgency and danger of the mission. Resurrection—The hero is severely tested once more on the threshold of home. He or she is purified by a last sacrifice or another moment of death and rebirth but on a higher level.

Hero’s Journey - Stages Return with the Elixir—The hero returns home or continues the journey but with some element of the treasure assuring the audience of the hero’s transformation.

History of the Hero’s Journey Description of journey popularized by Joseph Campbell (1904-1987), professor of Comparative Mythology at Sarah Lawrence College Relied on previous literary studies of James Frazer and psychological studies of Carl Jung Theory also known as “monomyth”

Lion King and the Hero’s Journey 1.) Ordinary World – Simba is prince to King Mufasa. His society expects him to become “king.”

Lion King and Hero’s Journey 2.) Call to Adventure – Expectations of being a prince vs. desire to have adventure and power (“can’t wait to be king”)

Lion King and Hero’s Journey Major Trial and Refusal of Call Murder of father and fleeing the pridelands

Lion King and Hero’s Journey Tests, Allies, Adventures Simba shirks call to duty by living life of indulgence with Timon and Pumbaa The “siren” of luxury

Lion King and Hero’s Journey Mentor and Return (Approach) to Journey Rafiki – Mentor as wielder of supernatural wisdom / power (also think Gandalf in Hobbit)

Lion King and Hero’s Journey Seizing the Sword / The Road Back Simba must battle Scar to return order to kingdom and assume rightful place

Resurrection / Return with Elixir Simba defeats Scar, is recognized as king, and continues family line. End of drought / rain

Post-Lesson Write What are some other examples of the Hero’s Journey in popular culture? Write out and detail as many examples are you can find.