The Hero's Journey An Archetypal Story

Archetype: A pattern, such as a type of character or type of story, that is repeated in literature.

The hero’s journey is one of the oldest story archetypes on the planet.

The components of the hero’s journey were identified and developed by Joseph Campbell, who was the world’s foremost authority on mythology.

In his book, The Hero with a Thousand Faces, Campbell asserted that all storytelling follows the ancient patterns of myth, and …

…that all stories use elements of the Hero’s Journey …that all stories use elements of the Hero’s Journey. Campbell called this archetype a Monomyth.

Can you think of a story that would fit this profile? -Orphan -Raised by aunt and uncle -Goes on a sudden journey -Has a magical helper

George Lucas, the creator of Star Wars, consulted with Campbell while writing the scripts for the first Star Wars trilogy.

The function of the story is to entertain, to instruct, and to inspire. The hero’s journey is a metaphor for life itself.

Part I: Separation

Breaking away from the old life

The hero is invited to leave a mundane life and seek adventure. A. The Call to Adventure The hero is invited to leave a mundane life and seek adventure.

The hero has second thoughts; adventure looks too risky. B. The Refusal of the Call The hero has second thoughts; adventure looks too risky.

Luke Skywalker doesn’t have time for the adventure - he has to help his Uncle Owen on the moisture farm.

C. Supernatural Aid The hero receives a gift to help on the journey.

Luke receives his lightsaber from Obi-Wan Kenobi.

D. Crossing the First Threshold The hero leaves the old world behind and enters the new.

Luke Skywalker leaves his home on Tatooine.

E. The Belly of the Whale Like Jonah and Pinocchio, the hero experiences the “dark night of the soul” and must face his faults and the truth.

For some, the belly of the whale experience is a situation in which the hero feels trapped. Luke, Han, and Leia trapped in the garbage compactor.

Part II Initiation

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

A. The Road of Trials The hero learns that life in the world of adventure can be difficult.

B. Meeting with the Goddess A wise or magical woman gives guidance or advice to the hero.

C. Battle with the Dragon The hero must confront and vanquish a malevolent being.

Someone or something tries to distract the hero from his goal. D. Temptation Someone or something tries to distract the hero from his goal.

E. Atonement with the Father The hero resolves his/her issues with a parent figure.

(from Greek roots meaning “from God”) F. Apotheosis (from Greek roots meaning “from God”) The hero recognizes his/her true identity - that spark of divinity within.

I am a Jedi, like my father before me!

Luke destroys the Death Star. G. The Ultimate Boon The hero succeeds in his mission. Luke destroys the Death Star.

G. The Ultimate Boon The hero succeeds in his/her mission. Dorothy returns to Emerald City with the witch’s broom.

Part III The Return

A. Refusal of Return The hero wonders if it’s possible to return to the old life. “How can I go back?”

B. Magic Flight Upon deciding to return home, the hero must “flee” from yet another danger. (Here, “flight” refers to fleeing, not flying, though sometimes flying is involved.)

C. Rescue from Without The hero escapes with a little outside help.

D. Crossing the Return Threshold Finally, the hero returns to home.

E. Mastery of Two Worlds The hero realizes that he can be at home in two worlds. He is wiser and more confident.

F. Freedom to Live Having faced evil - both from within and without - the hero is free from powerlessness and fear.

Common Mythic Elements Like the inevitable chase scene in action films, this monomyth contains some standard features.

The Young Hero who yearns for adventure.

Two worlds: The Mundane And the Fantastic

The Mentor who trains the hero in special skills.

The Oracle A wise - almost omniscient - seer who guides the hero.

The Prophecy A legend or ancient prophecy that the hero is expected to fulfill.

Failed Hero The guy who didn’t make it. In Memory of Biggs Darklighter

Wearing the Enemy’s Skin The hero must disguise himself as the enemy.

The Shape Shifter An archetypal friend or enemy with ambiguous or shifting loyalties.

Why? The monomyth of the hero’s journey helps us answer the most profound questions of the universe.

Why… … am I here? …is there suffering? What… …is the meaning of life?

“A hero is someone who reaches the edge of death, steals a piece of magic, then brings the magic home to share with his community.” (Brennan)

the world a better place. We are all heroes on our separate journeys and our mission is to make the world a better place.

References Brennan, Kristen. “Star Wars Origins.” 1999-2001. Jitterbug Fantasia. <http://www.jitterbug.com/ orgins/myth.html> 20 Sept. 2002. Campbell, Joseph. The Hero with a Thousand Faces. New York: Mythos Books, 1949. Vogler, Christopher. “The Writer’s Journey.” 2002. Michael Weiss Productions. <http://www.mwp.com /pages/bookswritourmore.html> 20 Sept. 2002.

Written & performed by Mark Knopfler Written and produced by Mollie Kelleher Teacher of English Longmont High School St. Vrain Valley School District Adapted and edited by Matthew Opal Teacher of English Silver Creek High School St. Vrain Valley School District “What it Is” Written & performed by Mark Knopfler MMII

“Follow your bliss.” - Joseph Campbell