Journal Entry #2 Define journey. How are journeys taken/traveled? What is the purpose of a journey? What makes a journey safe/frightening? What changes does the traveler undergo during the journey?

An Archetypal Story

The Hero’s Journey TED-Ed video

Archetype: A pattern, such as a type of character or type of story, that is repeated in literature across various cultures.

…are all stories use elements of the Hero’s Journey (universal story structure). Joseph Campbell called this archetype a Monomyth

The components of the Hero’s Journey were identified and developed by Joseph Campbell ( ), who was the world’s foremost authority on mythology. He found that myths for various times and regions shared fundamental structures and stages. Author of The Hero with a Thousand Faces.

The Hero’s Journey is one of the oldest story archetypes on the planet.

George Lucas, the creator of Star Wars, consulted with Campbell while writing the scripts for the first Star Wars trilogy. “Telling an old myth in a new way to pass down the meat and potatoes of a society” Interview with Bill Moyers

The function of the hero’s journey story is to entertain, to instruct, and to inspire. The hero’s journey is a metaphor for life itself.

Stage I: The Ordinary World

Often the heroes are considered odd or out-of-place. Superman Dorothy

Stage 2: Call to Adventure

The hero's journey begins when the hero becomes aware of the world outside home or the town where he/she has lived for his entire life. Usually there is a discovery, event, or danger that starts the adventure.

Pinocchio wants to become a real boy.

Dorothy wants to leave Kansas.

Stage 3: Refusal of the Call

The hero may actually refuse the initial call to adventure, usually from their fear of change. The hero will eventually go on his or her journey, either from "encouragement" by a supernatural force or by an event that almost forces the hero to move beyond their home. The hero has second thoughts; adventure looks too risky.

Dorothy runs back to the farm and Auntie Em after her meeting with Professor Marvel. A storm is brewing.

Stage 4: Meeting with the Mentor

As the hero travels on their journey, they may meet with an old man, a god/goddess, or a messenger who gives the hero a weapon or some magical powers.

A wise or magical messenger gives guidance or advice to the hero.

The hero receives a gift (often magical) to help on the journey. Often: Talisman

The ruby slippers

Stage 5: Crossing the Threshold

The hero enters a world they have never experienced before. This new world has its rules.

Dorothy is carried away to Oz by the tornado.

The hero learns that life in the world of adventure can be difficult.

Stage 6: Tests, Allies, Enemies

In the new world, the hero must confront a series of challenges and tests to help the hero improve their character and skills to become more self- reliant. Every hero needs a helper

Stage 7: Approach the Inmost Cave

For some, the “belly of the whale” experience is a situation in which the hero enters a physical zone of danger.

Wearing the Enemy’s Skin (optional) The hero must disguise himself as the enemy.

Stage 8 The Supreme Ordeal The hero succeeds in his/her mission. Dorothy defeats the Wicked Witch of the West.

Stage 9 The Reward A reward is given to heroes for passing the Supreme Ordeal. Whatever it is, it is a reward for the hero’s endurance and strength. Dorothy returns to the Emerald City with the witch’s broom.

Stage 10 The Road Back Finally, the hero returns to “Kansas.”

Stage 11 The Resurrection Hero is transformed with new insights. “There’s no place like home.” – Dorothy

Stage 12 Return With the Elixir May be treasure, love, freedom, wisdom, or knowledge that the Special World exists and can be survived. But you’ve always had the power to go home!

Mastery of Two Worlds The hero realizes that he or she can be at home in two worlds. He or she is wiser and more confident.

Two worlds: The Mundane And the Fantastic

Why? The monomyth of the hero’s journey helps us answer the most profound questions of the universe.

Why… … am I here? …is there suffering? What… …is the meaning of life?

Profound: from the Latin “profundus,” meaning “just before the bottom” or “at the edge of death.” (Brennan)

“A hero is someone who reaches the edge of death, steals a piece of magic, then brings the magic home to share with [their] community.” (Brennan)

“Follow your bliss.” - Joseph Campbell

JOSEPH CAMPBELL’S MONOMYTH: THE HERO’S JOURNEY THE LION KING (1994) JOSEPH CAMPBELL’S MONOMYTH: THE HERO’S JOURNEY

THE ORDINARY WORLD

THE CALL TO ADVENTURE

REFUSAL OF THE CALL

MEETING OF THE MENTOR

CROSSING THE THRESHOLD

TESTS, ALLIES, and ENEMIES

APPROACH THE INMOST CAVE

THE SUPREME ORDEAL

REWARD

ROAD BACK

RESURRECTION

RETURN WITH THE ELIXAR

Writing Assignment#2: Adventure Story/Hero Comic Your assignment is to write an adventure story in which you are the main character OR create a hero comic Go over assignment sheet and prompt. Begin pre-writing and drafting in class. Due 2/5