The Stages of the Hero’s Journey

These stages can be divided into three major sections: 1. Departure Hero ventures forth on the quest 2. Initiation Hero’s various adventures along the way 3. Return Hero's return home with knowledge and powers acquired on the journey

Stage 1: Departure 1. Ordinary World 2. Call to Adventure The hero’s normal world before the story begins 2. Call to Adventure The hero is presented with a problem, challenge or adventure 3. Refusal of the Call The hero refuses the challenge or journey, usually because he is scared

Stage 1: Departure, cont’d 4. Meeting with the Mentor The hero meets a mentor to gain advice or training for the adventure 5. Crossing the First Threshold The hero crosses/ leaves the ordinary world and goes into the special world

Stage 2: Initiation 6. Tests, Allies, Enemies 7. Approach The hero faces tests, meets allies, confronts enemies and learns the rules of the special world 7. Approach The hero has hit setbacks during these tests and may need to try a new idea

Stage 2: Initiation, cont’d 8. Ordeal The biggest life or death crisis 9. Reward The hero has survived death, overcome his fears, and now earns the reward (boon)

Stage 3: Return 10. The Road Back 11. Resurrection Hero The hero must return to the ordinary world 11. Resurrection Hero Another test where the hero faces death- he has to use everything he has learned

Stage 3: Return, cont’d 12. Return with the Elixir The hero returns from the journey with the “elixir”, and uses it to help everyone in the ordinary world