The Hero’s Journey Question: What is a hero? Does the idea of a hero change over time or location?

The Hero’s Journey The Hero’s Journey is a paradigm. Model or standard form Both a physical as well as a psychological or emotional experience. Most common paradigm in mythology. Note: not all hero journeys will follow this paradigm exactly.

The Ordinary World Stage 1: Get to know the Hero: drives, urges, and problems This is the Hero’s home, the safe haven from which he must leave and seek to return to as a changed character The hero is often safe and comfortable…but something may be missing.

Archetypes The Hero (“to serve and sacrifice”) Purpose is to separate and sacrifice self for the service of the Journey Does not have to be all good (antiheroes, outlaws, loner heroes) Grows or learns the most during the Journey We experience the journey through the eyes of the hero

The Stages of the Hero’s Journey Call to Adventure Disrupts the comfort of the Hero’s Ordinary World Often delivered by the Herald archetype May come in different forms (a message, an action, an arrival, etc.)

Archetypes The Herald (“to warn and challenge”) Issues challenges or announces the coming of significant change Often appears at the beginning of the Journey Plays a minor role—one character may act as the Herald, as well as another archetype

The Stages of the Hero’s Journey Refusal of the Call Hero has fears or insecurities prefers the safe haven of the Ordinary World refusal demonstrates the risks involved in the Journey (more he refuses=more risks) Each call and refusal escalates the stakes until the Hero has no choice but to accept

The Stages of the Hero’s Journey Meeting the Mentor The Mentor provides confidence, insight, advice, training, or magical gifts Keeps the hero focused on his/her goal Because the mentor has often traveled the road before, his guidance and advice is crucial.

Archetypes The Mentor (“to guide”) The Mentor provides motivation, insight, training, guidance Has traveled the road before May provide the hero with magical gifts Must die so that the hero faces the biggest challenge alone When the mentor doesn’t die—how does that affect the story? The journey?

The Stages of the Hero’s Journey Crossing the Threshold The threshold separates the Ordinary World from the Special World (should have some kind of physical barrier) Signifies that the Hero has finally committed to the journey Hero often meets the ‘threshold guardians’ at this point There is no turning back

Archetypes The Threshold Guardian (“to test”) Protects the Special World and its secrets from the Hero Provides Tests which the Hero must pass to prove commitment and worth May be characters, objects, or forces Once the hero overcomes the TG, they’ve acquired new power (especially if they make the TG an ally)

The Stages of the Hero’s Journey Tests, Allies, Enemies Hero learns the rules of the Special World The Hero must learn who can be trusted Enemies and villains are encountered Sidekick/Ally may appear The Hero needs this stage to test his skills and powers

Archetypes The Trickster (“to disrupt”) Disrupts the “status quo”, turning the Ordinary World into chaos Uses laughter to help the Hero see the absurdity of a situation Often is the Hero’s sidekick They may not change, but they cause change within the world

Archetypes The Ally (“to help”) Companion to the hero Helps the hero with tasks that are too much for one person Shows faithful support Often carries on clever banter with the hero Adds interest for the audience

The Stages of the Hero’s Journey Approach to the Innermost Cave Leads to the journey’s heart or central Ordeal Go over instructions/maps/attack plan Calm before the storm Necessary to reorganize/remember/rekindle The Hero often takes a respite before facing the Ordeal

The Stages of the Hero’s Journey The Ordeal Central life-or-death crisis or crises May pit the hero against the Shadow—if he fails, it makes him stronger Hero faces his greatest fear (the shadow) and experiences “death” Only through “death” can the Hero be reborn But is it truly over??

The Stages of the Hero’s Journey Stage 9: Reward Having survived “death”, the Hero receives what he sought It comes in many forms (a magical sword, an elixir, knowledge, reconciliation) This allows the Hero to replenish himself and the audience to “catch its breath” Taking the reward could lead to more troubles…

The Stages of the Hero’s Journey The Road Back The Hero must accept the Road Back to Ordinary World Like crossing the threshold, the Hero needs an event that will push him back (a force to chase him out of the Special World)

The Stages of the Hero’s Journey Stage 11: The Resurrection Death and darkness are encountered one final time Danger is the highest Threat is more than just the hero—the entire world Hero uses all lessons learned Can receive assistance, but the death blow should come from the hero himself

The Stages of the Hero’s Journey Return with the elixir The final Reward The Hero has been resurrected and purified and has earned the right to be accepted back into the Ordinary World The Hero shares the Elixir of the journey with others or heals a wounded land All celebrate the journey’s end with revelry or marriage Harmony and balance are restored to the Ordinary World