Joseph campbell’s the hero’s journey an archetypal story

Meet JOSEPH CAMPBELL (1904-1987) He was the world’s foremost authority on mythology–he identified the “STEPS” of THE HERO’S JOURNEY

In his book, The Hero with a Thousand Faces, Campbell asserted that ALL STORYTELLING FOLLOWS THE ANCENT PATTERNS OF MYTH… This makes THE HERO’S JOURNEY A MONOMYTH. This means ALL STORIES INVOLVING HEROES follow a universal pattern.

CAMPBELL KNEW THAT HEROES ARE CENTRAL TO THE HUMAN EXPERIENCE, an essential part of our storytelling.—that they serve a purpose which transcends society, culture, and time. He believed: “A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.” –AND- “The adventure of the hero is the adventure of being alive.”

What is an ARCHETYPE? A: It’s just a fancy way of explaining a pattern, type of character, or type of story that seems to be repeated in literature, film, TV shows. An archetype represents universal patterns of human nature (meaning all people can relate to and/or understand it).   An archetype is kind of like a SYMBOL…usually an object that represents and expresses a specific idea, quality, or emotion

1. THE HERO {OF COURSE! YOU ALREADY KNEW THAT! } THE HERO is… Usually the main character—a person who needs to learn something in the story Note: there can be several heroes along the way (we will discuss that further) Think about who is the “chosen” one…the hero who will ultimately be responsible for fulfilling some kind of quest?

2. THE MENTOR THE MENTOR is… A wise person or animal who provides guidance to the hero—usually giving him magical gifts or advice for the journey ahead Oftentimes we will see the mentor archetype coaxing the hero archetype to undertake the adventure Usually the hero is resistant to the challenge—he or she doesn’t want to take the risk! More on that later…

3. THE TRICKSTER THE TRICKSTER is… The “wise-fool”—someone who uses tricks and jokes to guide the hero Often the hero’s sidekick Typically, we are unsure if the trickster archetype is good for the hero, or not-so-good for the hero The trickster keeps us, as well as the hero guessing!

4. THE SHADOW THE SHADOW … The villain Oftentimes has “anti-hero” or “fallen hero” qualities The function of the shadow archetype is to challenge the hero, to provide a worthy opponent in the hero’s struggle *Most shadows do not see themselves as villains, but merely the heroes of their own myths…

5. THE SHAPESHIFTER THE SHAPESHIFTER is… A character who “changes appearance” to disrupt the adventure (doesn’t have to be physical appearance) The shapeshifter archetype serves the dramatic function of bringing doubt and suspense into a story The mask of the shapeshifter may be worn by any character in the story—and is often expressed by a character whose loyalty and true nature are always in question

6. THE HERALD THE HERALD … Issues challenges and announces the coming of significant “shaking up” of the status quo – starts hero on adventure Not always a character Because of this announcement, the hero’s situation shifts— nothing is ever the same again! The herald archetype serves the important psychological function of representing a need for change But…like most of us, adapting to change is quite uncomfortable for the hero!

7. THRESHOLD GUARDIAN THE THRESHOLD GUARDIAN (s) … Usually more than 1 Protect the special world and its secrets from the hero— providing tests for the hero to prove his or her worth These guardians can be overcome, bypassed, or turned into allies Threshold guardians are not the main villain; they are often the “henchmen” of the villain On a deeper psychological level, threshold guardians represent our internal demons—their function is not necessarily to stop the hero but to test if he or she is really determined to accept the challenge of change

1. ORDINARY WORLD The hero’s normal, everyday (often mundane) world before the journey begins…

2. CALL TO ADVENTURE The hero is presented with a problem, challenge, or adventure to undertake…

3. REFUSAL OF THE CALL The hero is reluctant, and initially refuses the challenge or journey—usually out of fear.

4. MEETING WITH THE MENTOR The hero meets a mentor to gain confidence, advice, or training to face the adventure

5. CROSSING THE FIRST THRESHOLD The hero crosses the gateway that separates the ordinary world from a new, special world. No going back now!

6. TESTS, ALLIES & ENEMIES The hero faces tests, meets allies, confronts enemies, & learns the rules of the new world in which he finds himself.

7. APPROACH The hero has hit setbacks during his tests. He may need to reorganize his helpers, or rekindle morale with mentor’s rally cry. High drama…stakes heighten!

8. ORDEAL The biggest crisis hits, often a life or death situation. The hero encounters his greatest fear—only through facing death can he be “reborn”. He now experiences even greater powers to see the journey to the end.

9. REWARD The hero has survived the danger and overcome his greatest fear. The reward may come in many forms: an object of great importance or power, a secret, greater knowledge or insight, reconciliation with an ally, love. Whatever the treasure, which may help facilitate his return to the Ordinary World, the Hero must quickly put celebrations aside and prepare for the last leg of his journey.

10. THE ROAD BACK The hero must recommit to completing the journey & travel back to the Ordinary World. But the road back is often dangerous…

11. RESURRECTION HERO VS. SHADOW The hero faces the most dangerous meeting with death. He overcomes it, showing he can apply all the wisdom he will bring back to the Ordinary World.

12. RETURN WITH THE ELIXIR The hero returns from the journey with the “elixir” for everyone in his world to use to heal physical or emotional wounds. He has fulfilled his purpose and comes back changed for the better. The “elixir” represents a new beginning in which fear is conquered, insights and freedom are gained, and the greater good is restored. Resolution! 

YOU ARE THE HERO OF YOUR OWN STORY! Look for this formula in books, movies, and TV shows, but also in YOUR OWN LIFE… Remember: humans reflect on our world through symbolic stories of our lives. AND… Think about how YOU ARE CALLED upon to leave your comfort zone, have an experience that transforms you, recover, and do it again. YOU ARE THE HERO OF YOUR OWN STORY!

And When in Doubt…

Always, always Remember…