World Myths and Folktales Terms to Know

Archetype reoccurring themes, patterns, or ideas a pattern or model that serves as the basis for different versions of a character, plot, or theme an element of a story (or the story itself) that is repeated in most cultures and is generally understood

Mono-myth a story pattern has the same structure from culture to culture is a type of archetype

Types of Heroes ~Mythic has a remarkable birth or childhood is often the offspring of a god and a human being super strength or super powers

~Folk is often a very ordinary person sometimes is a neglected youngest child, unknown origin or birth exceptionally kind, clever, and resourceful Usually has a side-kick

Quest a journey taken in search of something of great value: a person (beautiful princess) a treasure or magical charm an abstract concept (truth, meaning of life) can even be to get rid of something

Typical Quest

Direct threat to family, safety, or way of life Refusal of the Call 12 Steps of Hero Quest Ordinary World Hero’s safe home Call to Adventure Direct threat to family, safety, or way of life Refusal of the Call Fears and second thoughts, comforts of home Meeting the Mentor Meets mentor, given object of importance Crossing the Threshold Hero is ready to go; officially leaves home

Meets friends, makes enemies, defeats monsters, is tested 12 Steps of Hero Quest Test, Allies, Enemies Meets friends, makes enemies, defeats monsters, is tested Approach to Inmost Cave Actual location or inner conflict; prepares for final ordeal Ordeal Physical test or deep inner crisis; some form of “death” for a heroic rebirth Reward Physical prize or secret or knowledge

Returns home a changed man; learned many things, faced dangers 12 Steps of Hero Quest The Road Back Reverse of the Call to Adventure; one last push; must choose between personal goal and Higher Cause Resurrection Climax of Quest; final and most dangerous encounter; if he fails, others will suffer; Hero will succeed, destroy enemy and emerge cleansed and reborn Return with the Elixir Returns home a changed man; learned many things, faced dangers and death, start of a new life; Brings fresh hope