THE HERO’S JOURNEY “A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.” – Lao Tzu

Breaking away from the old life and entering the new. PART I: THE DEPATURE Breaking away from the old life and entering the new.

The Call Invites the hero into the adventures. Offers an opportunity to face the unknown and gain some physical or spiritual value. It may be taken on willingly or forced upon them. Movie Clip:

The Threshold “Jumping off point.” The interface between the known and the unknown. Known world = security Unknown = a different, unfamiliar world with dangers and challenges.

Threshold Guardians People, beings, or situations which block the passage to the journey. Two Functions: 1) Protects hero from journeying before ready. 2) Once ready, steps aside & point the way.

PART II: INITIATION During the “Initiation” phase, the hero learns how to live in the new world.

Helpers Provide assistance or direction. Often, the help comes as a divine gift or intervention.

Mentor AKA “Guide” Keeps the hero focused on the quest, provides stability, and acts as psychological foundation when the danger is the greatest.

Challenges or Temptations Can be outward (physical) or inward (psychological) Challenges grow more difficult as journey continues. Challenges always strike the hero’s greatest weaknesses.

Talisman A gift given that helps the hero throughout the journey.

The Abyss The hero’s GREATEST challenge faces it alone the point when hero must “slay the dragon.” It is always something he dreaded or needs to resolve.

PART III: Transformation

Revelation and Transformation Transformation is complete when the hero conquers the abyss : - Fear dies to make way for courage, which is a total change. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p8J-YmVs1j0 Revelation = a sudden, dramatic change in his thinking/ perspectives

Atonement “at-one” with their new self. Acceptance of changes and are RE-BORN. Hero now has harmony with life. http://www.wingclips.com/movie-clips/rudy/rudy-rudy- rudy

The Return https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q19z6-tbIHY Hero returns to everyday life, and now must begin attributing new self to society. GLORIFICATION!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q19z6-tbIHY https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H- 3_QETuczU

Let the Journey Begin!