1. Hero’s Journey

2. The Journey A process of separation, transformation and return
All must be completed successfully to become heroic
Individual growth
8 cumulative steps

3. The Call Invites us into the adventure Face the unknown
Gain something of physical or spiritual value
Willingly or unwillingly

4. The Threshold “Jumping off point” Interface between known and unknown
“threshold guardians” try to block the passage, but become mentor/helper in quest once we’re ready for challenge (i.e. parents)

5. The Challenges Early challenges are easier and build confidence
Become more difficult
“tempters” try to pull us from our call with fear, doubt or distraction
Challenges strike our greatest weakness

6. Into the Abyss
Greatest challenge
“slay the dragon”

7. Transformation
Part of us dies so that a new part can be born (i.e. fear dies to make way for courage)

8. Revelation
A dramatic change in the way we think or view life

9. The Atonement Become “at one” with ourselves
Incorporated the changes in ourselves spiritually

10. The Return Return to our life
May become richer, stronger, a great leader, spiritual guide or teacher

11. Where do we see this today?
Forrest Gump
The Lion King
Finding Nemo
Your own life from childhood into adulthood

12. Sir Gawain and the Green Knight

13. Anticipation Guide
In your notes, answer “yes” or “no” to the statements shown
No “maybes” or “it depends”

14. Men often act macho to try to impress women.

15. There are many double standards in society regarding men and women.

16. Chivalry is dead.

17. If a married man/woman is unhappy he/she should seek companionship elsewhere.

18. It is worth it to die to save one’s honor.

19. Sir Gawain Romantic Hero Brave Childhood initiation
Fights against evil to promote peace
Performs extraordinary deeds with the help of magic
Sacrifice

20. Major Characters

21. Sir Gawain
The story’s protagonist. A loyal knight to King Arthur, as well as his nephew. Gawain goes on his quest to meet the Green Knight in order to uphold his knightly values.

22. The Green Knight
Sir Gawain’s main opposition in the story. He is a richly decorated knight, who has green skin and hair.

23. King Arthur
The King of Camelot. Uncle of Sir Gawain. It is at his celebration feast that the Green Knight challenges the court to a game.

24. Bertilak de Hautdesert
The Lord of the castle at which Gawain spends his time before meeting the Green Knight. We learn his true identity at the end of the story.

25. Minor Characters
Bertilak’s wife- During the competition between Gawain and her husband, she tests Gawain’s integrity and honesty
Morgan le Faye (The old lady)- Powerful sorceress trained by Merlin. Assists Lady Bertilak in testing Gawain
Guinevere- King Arthur’s wife and Queen. Seated next to Gawain during the court’s feast.

26. Settings

27. Camelot
The Holiday celebrations take place at King Arthur’s castle in Camelot. It is here that the Green Knight challenges Gawain to exchange blows with him.

28. Bertilak’s Home
On his quest to meet the Green Knight, Gawain stays here for a short period of time.

29. The Green Chapel
The supposed home of the Green Knight. Gawain is sent here to keep his end of the bargain which he made with the Green Knight at Arthur’s holiday celebration a year prior

30. Major Conflict
Gawain’s struggle to decide between his duties as a knight and the worth of his own life.

31. Examples of The Code of Chivalry
Thou shalt defend the Church.
Thou shalt repect all weaknesses, and shalt constitute thyself the defender of them.
Live to serve King and Country.
Live to defend Crown and Country and all it holds dear.
Live one's life so that it is worthy of respect and honor.
Live for freedom, justice and all that is good.
Never attack an unarmed foe.

32. Examples from The Laws of Courtly Love
Thou shalt avoid avarice like the deadly pestilence and shalt embrace its opposite.
Thou shalt keep thyself chaste for the sake of her whom thou lovest.
Boys do not love until they reach the age of maturity.
When one lover dies, a widowhood of two years is required of the survivor.
No one should be deprived of love without the very best of reasons.
No one can love unless he is propelled by the persuasion of love.