THE HEROIC CYCLE Development of Joseph Campbell

WHAT HEROES TEACH US Heroes go on quests which help readers to understand their own journey through life. The hero is a social icon that represents the values that are important to his or her culture and society.

THE JOURNEY OF THE HERO In The Hero with a Thousand Faces, Joseph Campbell outlines how numerous myths and stories from around the world follow a certain pattern. Campbell breaks this pattern down into different stages that most heroic quests go through. In addition, Campbell notes the archetypes often found in heroic cycles.

THE FIRST STAGE CALL TO ADVENTURE : The hero is given an important message that he has a special calling and a destiny to fulfill. The hero may refuse the call, but he will go on it anyway. EXAMPLE: Frodo is called to destroy the ring in The Lord of the Rings.

BEGINNING THE QUEST MEETING THE MENTOR : The mentor provides the hero with confidence, insight, advice, training, or magical gifts to overcome his fears and cross the threshold to adventure. The mentor is not a sidekick or an ally. EXAMPLE: Yoda is Luke Skywalker’s mentor in Star Wars, training him in the force.

ON THE JOURNEY OBSTACLES : The hero goes through a set of obstacles or tests (physical, mental, or spiritual) that makes him stronger and prepared for the final showdown. EXAMPLE: Simba must overcome his fears about being king before he can defeat his uncle, Scar.

FULFILLING THE QUEST FULFILLING THE QUEST: The hero reaches the climax, the ultimate payoff. It could be discovering treasure, rescuing a princess, or defeating the enemy. EXAMPLE: Dorothy defeats the Wicked Witch of the West in The Wizard of Oz.

THE END OF THE CYCLE RETURN OF THE HERO: The hero has achieved his goal, so he returns to the ordinary world. TRANSFORMATION: As a result of his quest, the hero changes somehow. He may become a better leader, gain wisdom, etc. EXAMPLE: Bilbo Baggins returns to the Shire after his quest in The Hobbit.