The Hero and his Journey Unit 1 The Hero and his Journey

Projects Hero Journal Fill in the parts of the hero cycle for each example or non-example that we read You may use your notes and the text Due at the end of the unit (Nov.3)

Personal Story Create a personal story containing the elements of the hero journey Can be real or fictional Use proper sentence structure and grammar 500-1000 words; typed; double-spaced Due Nov. 5

Kenning Descriptions (1-2) Battle Boast In-class essay on Beowulf (Oct. 14) Various other creative and analytical short papers Annotations and/or graphic journals

The Hero Cycle Formulated by Joseph Campbell who was an anthropologist and author The formula contains the basic elements of many traditional stories Means of analyzing fiction and non-fiction

Why is the hero cycle consistent across cultures? All humans have similar life experiences. Through the ages, humans have had difficulty making sense out of their experiences, and stories have been a way that they find meaning and pass on the culture's values. We all have a desire for a hero because our sinful hearts have a need for a Savior.

Stages of the Hero Cycle I. Departure: Separation from the Ordinary World Hero must leave his ordinary world/life in order to experience something extraordinary. Journey is emotional, psychological and physical Hero's fundamental problem is immaturity.

A. Call to Adventure - put a cause above himself B. Refusal of the Call - doesn't want to change C. Supernatural Aid - Meeting the Mentor - usually someone older and wiser D. The Crossing of the First Threshold - no going back The belly of the Whale

II. Initiation: Descent into the Special World A. Tests, Allies, & Enemies - hero gains experience and new values 1. The meeting with the Goddess 2. Woman as the Temptress B. Climax/Final Battle/The Ordeal/Apotheosis C. Reward - wins the battle and receives some sort of benefit

III. Return A. Road back 1. refusal to return 2. magical flight away from danger 3. someone else comes & rescues hero B. Crossing of Return Threshold: resurrection hero survives final battle

C. Return with Elixir something society needs D. Home Master of Two Worlds - his own and the other world he has conquered Freedom to live peacefully