The Hero’s Journey

What makes a “hero”?

Right now, take a few moments to jot down some CLASSIC HEROES and who some of your heroes are. Be sure to write down (bullet) what makes these people “heroic.”

Some common characteristics of HEROES: Brave Brave Strong Strong Fair Fair Determined Determined Loyal Loyal Selfless Selfless Respected Respected Intelligent Intelligent Focused Focused

The Hero’s Journey In the mid-1900s, a man named Joseph Campbell wrote a book called A Hero With a Thousand Faces. He found similarities that existed in mythic adventures and defined what we now call “The Hero’s Journey.” What he realized was that there was a PATTERN of events that seem to happen, in one way or another, in most adventure stories.

The Journey – 3 major “chapters” – The protagonist is separated from the “known” and steps into the “unknown” 1. The Departure – The protagonist is separated from the “known” and steps into the “unknown” – By crossing a threshold, the protagonist’s world is changed forever. The journey becomes both mental AND physical and results in a realization of purpose 2. The Initiation – By crossing a threshold, the protagonist’s world is changed forever. The journey becomes both mental AND physical and results in a realization of purpose – The protagonist starts living in a more “enlightened” way, realizing he/she has “gotta do what you gotta do.” 3. The Return – The protagonist starts living in a more “enlightened” way, realizing he/she has “gotta do what you gotta do.”

Call to Adventure Hero leaves to go on his adventure. Hero leaves to go on his adventure. Ex. Shrek decides he is fed up and wants the fairy tale creatures out of his forest, so he decides to do something about it. Ex. Shrek decides he is fed up and wants the fairy tale creatures out of his forest, so he decides to do something about it.

Supernatural Aid The hero receives help from someone or from fate. This might be a sign or it might be a person. The sign might be something as literal as an omen, or it might be something as simple as good weather for traveling. The person who helps might be a guide or an aid in times of trouble. The hero receives help from someone or from fate. This might be a sign or it might be a person. The sign might be something as literal as an omen, or it might be something as simple as good weather for traveling. The person who helps might be a guide or an aid in times of trouble. Ex. Simba sees Mufasa’s in the sky and he reminds him of his rightful place on the throne.

Threshold (Beginning of Transformation) The hero begins to change. Sometimes the change is good and sometimes it is bad. The hero begins to change. Sometimes the change is good and sometimes it is bad. Ex. Luke Skywalker begins to learn about the force.

Challenges and Temptations The hero faces many obstacles he must overcome. These might be literal or figurative monsters. They might also be temptations such as alcohol, drugs, or a bewitching woman. (Temptress) Sometimes the hero’s main challenge is the one within himself. The hero faces many obstacles he must overcome. These might be literal or figurative monsters. They might also be temptations such as alcohol, drugs, or a bewitching woman. (Temptress) Sometimes the hero’s main challenge is the one within himself. Ex. The sirens in the Odyssey are examples of a Temptress.

Helpers and Mentors Helpers do just that…they help. They are sidekicks. Mentors train and teach the hero. Sometimes, there are both helpers and mentors; sometimes there is only one or the other. Helpers do just that…they help. They are sidekicks. Mentors train and teach the hero. Sometimes, there are both helpers and mentors; sometimes there is only one or the other.

The Abyss The hero is at his lowest point. He questions himself and the point of his journey. The hero receives a revelation (something is revealed). This revelation might come from someone else, or it might be a realization of the character (epiphany). This revelation helps the character to die (literally or figuratively) and be reborn. The hero is at his lowest point. He questions himself and the point of his journey. The hero receives a revelation (something is revealed). This revelation might come from someone else, or it might be a realization of the character (epiphany). This revelation helps the character to die (literally or figuratively) and be reborn. Simba is at his lowest point when he fights Nala and doesn’t even recognize who she is or who he is. He has a revelation and this is what starts him on his journey of return.

Transformation The hero’s change is complete. This might be a physical change or a mental change. The hero’s change is complete. This might be a physical change or a mental change. Simba returns to Pride Rock to reclaim his throne.

Atonement The hero makes an atoning sacrifice to help complete his journey. This might be a sacrifice of himself (death) or a sacrifice of something he is (he decides not go home; he gives up his way of life, etc.) The hero makes an atoning sacrifice to help complete his journey. This might be a sacrifice of himself (death) or a sacrifice of something he is (he decides not go home; he gives up his way of life, etc.) Frodo decides to never go back to the shire. His hero’s journey required him to make a complete sacrifice of his old life. He will never be the same again.

Return The hero returns. Sometimes, the return is only that the society returns to normal as the hero is dead and cannot physically return. The hero returns. Sometimes, the return is only that the society returns to normal as the hero is dead and cannot physically return. The “Circle of Life” is complete. The hero has returned.

Look back at your list of HEROES… Have any of them gone through this “journey”? Could you relate any aspects of your life to steps of the journey? The word “odyssey” means: a long, wandering and eventful journey