The Hero’s Journey The Path to Discovery

Hero’s Journey J. Campbell: A Hero with a Thousand Faces Basic pattern in narratives around the world Universal pattern Important myths which have survived for thousands of years all share the same basic structure/stages A.K.A “Monomyths” Include ‘archetypes’ generic, idealized model of a person, object, or concept from which similar instances are derived, copied, patterned. A bit like a stereotype, but more complex.

Separation & Call to Adventure Separation: Hero dragged from the comforts of home to experience growth and change. The Call: realization of imbalance or injustice in the hero’s life that invites him into the adventure, the unknown.

Obstacles interfere with or delay the start of the journey. can be literal (physical barriers, people) or figurative (fears/doubts). the hero may resist the journey eventually compelled to go Supernatural Aid/Talisman: Hero receives helpful tool

Threshold the jumping off point for the adventure; point between known and unknown. Can take the form of: a physical barrier being crossed a figurative barrier an emotional barrier facing someone’s death

“Belly of the Whale” face own fears and weaknesses alone, isolated, unsure of next step confront our Shadow Self Part of us we doubt or that keeps us from being the better version of ourselves

Challenges: The Road of Trials obstacles/difficult experiences that test the hero. The hero emerges stronger from each challenge. HELPERS: support hero along the way; are not present during the final battle

Challenges (cont.): Mentor: guide keeps hero focused on goal. Helps hero with skills Must die or leave so that hero can face biggest challenge alone.

The Abyss / The Great Ordeal Greatest challenge of the journey where one must "slay the dragon” “Underworld/Hell”: death is experienced Can be literal or figurative (or combo)

Transformation / Resurrection Hero changed by the journey Symbolic: old self dies; new self reborn Apotheosis: hero recognizes own power Boon: the goal of the quest is obtained Magic Flight: hero may have to escape with and have outside rescue

The Return & Sharing the Gift (Elixir) Hero may initially resist/refuse returning Hero eventually returns and contributes to society shares wisdom or a “prize” gained The hero is immortalized