1. The Hero’s Journey
The Great Adventure

2. Part of the Epic Quest Kill the dragon Find the Golden Fleece
Rescue the Maiden
Save the Universe from The Dark Powers

3. The Hero’s Journey – not just a pattern for myths
TV comedies and dramas
Movies
Plays
Literature
It is a pattern of human experience – it is universal

4. The Classical Pattern Eight Step Transformation
Separation from the Known World
Initiation and Transformation
Returning to the known World

5. Separation From the Known
The Call
Invites hero/initiate into the adventure
Opportunity to gain something of spiritual or physical value
The Threshold
Jumping off point for the adventure
Doorway between the known and the unknown

6. Initiation and Transformation
The Challenges
Once past the threshold, the journey begins
An outward journey to a physical unknown
Inward journey into a psychological unknown
A series of challenges
More difficult as journey progresses
Strikes at weaknesses, needs, and fears

7. Into the Abyss The Transformation
Where the greatest challenge is faced
Surrender to the quest and overcome his/her greatest fears
The Transformation
Abyss is conquered, fears overcome
Symbolically a moment of death and rebirth: a part of the initiate dies so that a new part can be reborn

8. The Revelation The Atonement
Part of the transformation – a change in the way the one thinks or views the world that allows for the initiate to become a different person
The Atonement
Because the initiate is “reborn” he/she is brought into harmony with life and the world – the imbalance that sent the initiates, now Hero, on the journey has been corrected

9. The Return to the Known World
Hero resumes everyday life – until the next Call

10. The Journey as a Map
Understand the connection between the mythological world and modern day fiction
The journey and Challenges are examples of real journey and challenges we all face in life
Understanding this pattern can help achieve wisdom, growth, and independence

11. Bibliography
Harris, Reg and Susan Thompson. The Hero’s Journey: A Guide to Literature and Life.
Napa: Harris Communications