An Archetypal Story

Archetype: A pattern, such as a type of character or type of story, that is repeated in literature.

The hero’s journey is one of the oldest story archetypes on the planet.

The components of the hero’s journey were identified and developed by Joseph Campbell, who was the world’s foremost authority on mythology.

In his book, The Hero with a Thousand Faces, Campbell asserted that all storytelling follows the ancient patterns of myth, and …

…that all stories use elements of the Hero’s Journey. Campbell called this archetype a Monomyth.

George Lucas, the creator of Star Wars, consulted with Campbell while writing the scripts for the first Star Wars trilogy.

The function of the story is to entertain, to instruct, and to inspire. The hero’s journey is a metaphor for life itself.

Stage 1: The Ordinary Life

The hero’s life before the story begins. It is here that we learn of the hero’s: Morals, Qualities Characteristics as he/she is shown against a background of environment, heredity, and personal history

There will be a breaking away from the old life, a leaving of the familiar, “home”.

2. The Call to Adventure The hero is compelled to leave a mundane life and seek adventure or begin a quest for something specific.

Odysseus is called to fight the Trojan War

Pinocchio wants to become a real boy.

Dorothy wants to leave Kansas.

The Refusal of the Call 3. The hero has second thoughts; adventure looks too risky (usually to scared).

Dorothy runs back to the farm and Auntie Em. A storm is brewing.

b. Acceptance of the Call The hero finally conceeds, realizing that there is nobody else who is better qualified to or available to accept responsibility.

The hero receives a gift to help on the journey. C. Supernatural Aid

The ruby slippers

A conscience

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 leaves the old world behind and enters the new.

Dorothy is carried away to Oz by the tornado.

6. Tests, Allies and Enemies Like Jonah and Pinocchio, the hero experiences the “dark night of the soul” and must face their faults and the truth about their own flaws.

For some, the belly of the whale experience is a situation in which the hero enters a physical zone of danger.

The message is that we all have a shadow self and must deal with it at some point in our lives.

7. Approach During the “Initiation” phase, the hero learns how to live in the new world, experiences setbacks and may need to try new ideas.

A. The Road of Trials The hero learns that life in the world of adventure can be difficult.

B. Meeting with the Goddess A wise or magical woman gives guidance or advice to the hero.

C. Woman as Temptress Someone or something tries to distract the hero from his goal. Circe the witch tries to keep Odysseus on her island.

D. Atonement with the Father The hero may come up against a 'father figure' who must be beaten, persuaded, or whose approval must be achieved in some way. Ultimately, by whatever means, the difficult relationship between the two must be reconciled.

8. Abyss The hero experiences the lowest/most dangerous part of the journey and endures either a literal or metaphorical death.

9.The Road Back Apotheosis (from Greek roots meaning “from God”) The hero recognizes his/her true identity - that spark of divinity within.

But you’ve always had the power to go home!

The Ultimate Boon The hero succeeds in his/her mission. Dorothy returns to Emerald City with the witch’s broom.

10. The Road Back

A. Refusal of Return The hero wonders if it’s possible to return to the old life. “How can I go back?”

B. Magic Flight Upon deciding to return home, the hero must “flee” from yet another danger. (Here, “flight” refers to fleeing, not flying, though sometimes flying is involved.)

There’s no place like home.

C. Rescue from Without The hero escapes with a little outside help.

11. The Resurrection or Freedom to Live Having faced evil - both from within and without - the hero is free from powerlessness and fear.

E. Mastery of Two Worlds The hero realizes that he can be at home in two worlds. He is wiser and more confident.

b. Crossing the Return Threshold Finally, the hero returns to “Kansas.”

Common Mythic Elements Like the inevitable chase scene in action films, the monomyth contains some standard features.

The Young Hero who yearns for adventure.

Two worlds: The Mundane And the Fantastic

The Mentor who trains the hero in special skills.

The Oracle A wise - almost omniscient - seer who guides the hero.

The Prophecy A legend or ancient prophecy that the hero is expected to fulfill.

Failed Hero The guy who didn’t make it. In Memory of Biggs Darklighter

Wearing the Enemy’s Skin The hero must disguise himself as the enemy.

The Shape Shifter An archetypal friend or enemy with ambiguous or shifting loyalties.

Why? The monomyth of the hero’s journey helps us answer the most profound questions of the universe.

Why… … am I here? …is there suffering? What… …is the meaning of life?

Profound: from the Latin “profundus,” meaning “just before the bottom” or “at the edge of death.” (Brennan)

“A hero is someone who reaches the edge of death, steals a piece of magic, then brings the magic home to share with his community.” (Brennan)

We are all heroes on our separate journeys and our mission is to make the world a better place.

References Brennan, Kristen. “Star Wars Origins.” Jitterbug Fantasia. 20 Sept Campbell, Joseph. The Hero with a Thousand Faces. New York: Mythos Books, Vogler, Christopher. “The Writer’s Journey.” Michael Weiss Productions. 20 Sept

Written and produced by Mollie Kelleher 2012 “What it Is” Written & performed by Mark Knopfler Teacher of English Longmont High School St. Vrain Valley School District Further adapted and edited by Lisa LeBouthillier Teacher of English LeoHayes HS

“Follow your bliss.” - Joseph Campbell