1. The Heroic Journey
Definition: An individual process of growth and transformation
The Eight Stages of the Hero’s Journey:
1. Call 2. Threshold 3. Challenges 4. Abyss
5. Revelation 6. Transformation 7. Atonement 8. Return

2. 1. The Call: The Invitation into the Journey
An opportunity to gain something of value (physical/spiritual)
Initiate realizes there’s an imbalance or injustice in his/her life
The initiate willingly or unwillingly undertakes quest
Forms of the Call:
Something is taken from the initiate or his family
There is something missing in his life
To save or restore honor for his people
To win rights for his people

3. 2. The Threshold: The jumping off point for the initiate (the journey begins)
The initiate now enters a world that is unknown to him, but he has some help…

4. Threshold Guardian: Ensures the initiate is ready for the journey and points the way when he is
Mentor/Guide: Keeps the initiate focused on the goal
Helper(s): provide assistance and direction

5. 3. The Challenges: Series of challenges or temptations the initiate must overcome
Easy > Difficult
The process of transformation has begun!

6. 4. The Abyss: Greatest Challenge
The initiate must overcome his greatest fears and weaknesses, and he must do it alone
“Slay the Dragon!”

7. 6. The Transformation: A change in behavior
5. The Revelation: A sudden and dramatic change in the way one thinks about or views life (Ah ha moment!)
which leads to…
6. The Transformation: A change in behavior
New person is “born”
Example: Child > Adult

8. 7. The Atonement: The Hero is “at one” with his new self
Perfect/Imperfect moment
“Fully Reborn”
Harmony has been achieved
Boon: A gift based on the character’s transformation

9. 8. The Return: The Hero returns back to his everyday life and is ready to contribute to society
Doesn’t always fit in new society
Could be rejected due to his change