The hero’s Journey

The Hero’s Journey Also known as the “monomyth,” a term coined by Joseph Campbell HERO can either be male or female (in western literature, the hero is more often male) Usually superior to common people in three ways: 1. Morally 2. Mentally 3. Physically

Three phases of hero’s journey/monomyth Separation/Departure Hero’s separation from the “normal” world; 2. Initiation Main part of story in which hero is initiated into true heroic status by trials and rites; true character emerges 3. Return Hero can return to “normal” world in triumph; however, this phase usually includes more trials and tribulations

The hero’s journey or monomyth Phase 1: Separation/departure The Call to Adventure -Hero is stuck in a mundane life, knowing that he/she is meant for something more -Some event (challenge, problem, request) triggers desire, serves as the “call” Refusal and Acceptance of the Call -Hero may initially resist the call, hesitate to act out of fear of the unknown or responsibilities at home -Soon realizes that no one else is better fit to answer the call; sometimes convinced by a mentor

The hero’s journey or monomyth phase 1: Separation/departure continued c. Supernatural Aid -Hero receives aid in the form of information, weapons, good luck charms, or even a companion of some kind; makes hero wiser, stronger, etc. d. Crossing the Threshold -The point of no return as the hero sets out on the journey e. Enters the “belly of the whale” -Hero enters the zone of danger, either immediately or after some travel

The hero’s journey or monomyth Phase 2: initiation Road of trials -Various trials endured during the journey; hero grows more confident b. Meeting the goddess -Often encounters powerful female figure who offers support, helps hero refocus; often supernatural c. Temptation -Hero is tempted to rest, give up, or even join other (usually evil) “side;” often appears in female form

The hero’s journey or monomyth Phase 2: initiation continued d. Reconciliation with the father -Hero’s “father figure” must be beaten, persuaded, or approval gained; either way, difficult relationship must be reconciled e. Elevation - After all of these trials, the hero transcends, achieving a higher place of understanding and is now ready for the ultimate battle f. Reaches the ultimate goal (climax of journey) -Victory is finally gained after the ultimate battle or particularly difficult last trial

The hero’s journey or monomyth Phase 3: Return Refusal of the return Hero craves the excitement of the journey; does not want to return to the old, mundane world “Magic Flight” Hero rushes home with treasure or knowledge gained; sometimes running from remaining enemy forces or under some time constraint c. Rescue from without -Hero rescued from final plight by an unexpected source

THE HERO’S JOURNEY OR MONOMYTH PHASE 3: RETURN, CONTINUED d. Crossing of the return threshold -Hero safely returns to his/her original world. e. Master of the Two Worlds Having completed the journey out and back in, the hero has now mastered both the original and alien worlds, as well as any inner conflict. f. Freedom to Live -Having conquered demons inside and out, hero has the right to live life as he/she chooses; often become rulers or advisers, or “settle down,” or even go on more adventures.

THE HERO’S JOURNEY Video depicting most phases of the hero’s journey in Star Wars, Harry Potter, and The Wizard of Oz