The Heroic Journey Definition: An individual process of growth and transformation The Eight Stages of the Hero’s Journey: 1. Call 2. Threshold 3. Challenges 4. Abyss 5. Revelation 6. Transformation 7. Atonement 8. Return

1. The Call: The Invitation into the Journey An opportunity to gain something of value (physical/spiritual) Initiate realizes there’s an imbalance or injustice in his/her life The initiate willingly or unwillingly undertakes quest Forms of the Call: Something is taken from the initiate or his family There is something missing in his life To save or restore honor for his people To win rights for his people

2. The Threshold: The jumping off point for the initiate (the journey begins) The initiate now enters a world that is unknown to him, but he has some help…

Threshold Guardian: Ensures the initiate is ready for the journey and points the way when he is Mentor/Guide: Keeps the initiate focused on the goal Helper(s): provide assistance and direction

3. The Challenges: Series of challenges or temptations the initiate must overcome Easy > Difficult The process of transformation has begun!

4. The Abyss: Greatest Challenge The initiate must overcome his greatest fears and weaknesses, and he must do it alone “Slay the Dragon!”

6. The Transformation: A change in behavior 5. The Revelation: A sudden and dramatic change in the way one thinks about or views life (Ah ha moment!) which leads to… 6. The Transformation: A change in behavior New person is “born” Example: Child > Adult

7. The Atonement: The Hero is “at one” with his new self Perfect/Imperfect moment “Fully Reborn” Harmony has been achieved Boon: A gift based on the character’s transformation

8. The Return: The Hero returns back to his everyday life and is ready to contribute to society Doesn’t always fit in new society Could be rejected due to his change