1. Archetypes & The Hero’s Journey

2. What is an Archetype?
An archetype is an original model after which other similar things are patterned
There are three basic types of archetypes:
Situation (The Quest)
Symbolic (Light vs. Dark)
Character (the hero, the mentor, the temptress…)

3. What is an Archetype?
Archetypes, like the hero’s journey, are some of the oldest stories told in the world.
These stories cross boundaries of time and culture.
They were a universal way to try to understand human beings’ place in the world:
Why am I here?
Why is there suffering?
What is the meaning of life?

4. You know archetypes:
You are already familiar with archetypes if you know:
Star Wars
The Lord of the Rings
The Matrix
The Wizard of Oz
Pinocchio
The Odyssey

5. What is a Hero?
Many live a secluded childhood among humble people in a country setting
Must successfully pass through several stages in his quest to accomplish something for the greater good
Someone who has sacrificed himself for the greater good

6. Crossing the Threshold
Call to Adventure
Crossing the Threshold
The Tests
The Abyss
Transform-ation
Revelation
Atonement
Return with a Gift
Hero’s Journey

7. Stage 1: Separation from the Comfortable
Step 1: Call to Adventure
Invites initiate to adventure
May be a sudden traumatic change
Initiate is often reluctant to begin journey

8. Stage 1: Separation from the Comfortable
Step 2: The Threshold of Adventure
When called to adventure, initiate must cross the threshold (“jumping off point”)
The gateway to the unknown
Encounter Guardians
people or situations that block passage
Serve to protect and point way
Encounter Helpers
Often bring talisman or wisdom
Mentors who guide throughout journey

9. Stage 2: The Initiation Step 3: The Tests (Challenges & Ordeals)
Outward journey to a physical unknown
Inward journey to psychological unknown

10. Stage 2: The Initiation Step 4: The Abyss (the ultimate test)
Lowest point for hero
Hero is often alone
Hero must battle greatest internal and external fear

11. Stage 2: The Initiation Step 5: Transformation
As hero conquers the Abyss, his transformation is complete
Like the Phoenix, a part of the hero must die so that a new part can be reborn
Ex. Fear dies to make room for courage, ignorance for enlightenment, dependency for independenc…

12. Stage 2: The Initiation Step 6: Revelation
Part of the Transformation is a Revelation: a sudden, dramatic change in the way the hero thinks or views life.
This change makes him truly a different person

13. Stage 2: The Initiation Step 7: Atonement
After the Transformation, the hero achieves Atonement that his is “at one” with his new self.
The hero has incorporated the changes caused by the journey and is reborn.

14. Stage 3: The Return to Everyday Life
Step 8: Return with a Gift
Final stage of the journey
Upon return, the hero returns to his people with a gift (ex. Protection, enlightenment, etc.)
His people have benefited, but he will forever be changed
Many times, the hero is warmly received by his community, but he a forlorn, somber view of the world.

15. Crossing the Threshold
Call to Adventure
Crossing the Threshold
The Tests
The Abyss
Transform-ation
Revelation
Atonement
Return with a Gift
Hero’s Journey

16. “By the Waters of Babylon” Hero’s Map Assignment
In small groups, you will use your knowledge of setting and archetypes to make a hero’s map that reflects the short story.
Requirements:
Detailed, accurate illustration
Physical setting (ex. Rivers, trees, label area names)
Cultural setting (ex. Forbidden boundaries)
Track John’s travels
Label and briefly explain John’s stages in his hero’s journey