Monomyth or The Hero’s Journey Preparation for The Odyssey English I

By the end of this presentation you should… Be able to define the term Monomyth (Hero’s Journey), understand the concept of an “archetype,” name and describe the traditional patterns of the monomyth, and identify use of the monomyth in popular culture.

The Monomyth Joseph Campbell- The Hero with a Thousand Faces A.K.A- “The Hero’s Journey” Archetype- A classic pattern or idea that can be seen to be repeated throughout history

The Characters: The Hero Someone who… Feels they lack some knowledge or experience From whom something or someone has been taken Dedicated their life to something bigger than themselves

The Characters: The Herald Someone / something who… Initiates the call to adventure (not necessarily a person) Acts as a messenger or signal

The Characters: The Ally Someone who May also be or become a hero Helps the hero Sometimes serves as a sidekick throughout the journey

The Characters: The Mentor Someone who Has walked the hero’s path before May appear only in memory

The Characters: Magical Helper Someone or something who Contains secret power or knowledge May help the hero in the present or give knowledge for future help

Other Characters The Shadow- represents our darkest desires or inner demons; often used by the enemy to trick the hero The Shapeshifter- hides the true feelings and intentions and may trick the hero The Trickster- disrupts the status quo; forces a change for either better or worse

The Steps of the Journey Part One Ordinary World Call to Adventure Refusal of the Call Meeting with the Mentor Crossing the Threshold / Belly of the Whale Road of Trials

The Steps of the Journey Part Two Approaching the Innermost Cave The Supreme Ordeal The Sacred Marriage Atonement and Death Apotheosis The Return