The Hero’s Journey In Life & Literature

Why learn about the Hero’s journey? Many of us know about the hero’s journey through classical mythology. It isn’t just a pattern from myth. ALL OF US experience this pattern of life and the growth/experiences it provides. So…Why study the hero’s journey? It is a pattern of human experience. There is a journey to be found in nearly every challenge we face in life. We can better understand our own experiences and patterns.

What do you already know about the Hero’s Journey? Any examples?

The Cycle Separation (from the known) Initiation and Transformation The Return (to the known world)

Examples

Separation: The Call The Call The call comes in three ways: The hero is called to the adventure. Gain of something of physical or spiritual value An opportunity to face the unknown and grow spiritually or physically. The call comes in three ways: 1. The hero chooses to take the journey willingly. 2. The hero is forced into the journey. 3. The hero suddenly finds him/herself on the journey.

Separation: The Call The call can take many forms: 1. We have something taken from us, our family or society. Our quest is to reclaim it. 2. Something is missing in our life; the missing link must be found. 3. We want to restore honor: self, family, country/kingdom, etc. 4. Something is not permitted to members of a society; the hero must win these rights for the people. Psychologically, the call might be an awareness of a shift in our spiritual or emotional awareness.

Separation: The threshold The Threshold is… Jumping off point Leaves the known world to the unknown Threshold Guardians Helpers

Separation: Archetypes ARCHETYPES: In literature, an archetype is a typical character that represents universal patterns of human nature. It can mean other things too, but we’re going to focus on the archetypal character. THRESHOLD GUARDIANS: They are people, beings, or situations that block the hero’s passage. They have two functions: 1. Protection from taking a journey for which the hero is ill prepared. 2. When the hero is ready, they point the way. 3. Example? 4. Threshold Guardians can also be intangibles: Fears, doubts, or our ineffective thought and behavior patterns. Metaphorical “dragon” (our greatest fear, daring us to face it in the abyss).

Separation: archetypes HELPER(S): often appears at the threshold of the journey. Many times they continue with the hero throughout the journey. Sometimes more than one helper Most important: MENTOR. The mentor keeps the hero focused on the goal at hand. He/she gives the hero psychological and physical stability when danger is the greatest. It always remains the hero’s journey (even if others are present). Examples of HELPERS and/or MENTORS?

The Initiation: The challenges The journey can be physical or psychological Challenges and temptations can be internal or external More and more at risk, emotionally & physically Each success builds character, skill, confidence Challenges get more difficult & force growth Strike at the hero’s greatest weakness, poorest skill, lack of knowledge or most vulnerable emotions.

Initiation: the Abyss… What is an ABYSS? “The regions of hell conceived of as a bottomless pit.” Signifies the greatest challenge. Character surrenders to the quest. The greatest fear is faced, and it must be faced alone. “Slay the dragon.”   Two things will happen, either: 1. The hero is unprepared and fails…..turns back or is consumed by the Abyss. 2. Transformation/Revelation occurs (success)

Initiation Continued… Transformation & Revelation Revelation: a sudden dramatic change in the way one thinks or views life. Conquers fears= transformation complete Fear must die to become courage Ignorance must die to become enlightenment Dependency & Irresponsibility die to become independence & responsibility His/her CONSCIOUSNESS changes: a new awareness of the self. The Atonement: making amends with what was wrong before. Acceptance of his new self Fully reborn, in further harmony with the world New gift, skill, or awareness

The Return The hero “comes home”. Return to everyday life Begin to contribute to society May renew the community- some create a new city, nation, religion, or way of thought/behavior. Sometimes rejected by society. Sometimes he/she is sacrificed. What examples of a “hero’s return” can you think of?

Final thoughts The hero’s journey is a dominant force in literature, history, film. The journey is a pattern we follow in our own lives as we face challenges and move from childhood to adulthood, from adulthood to old age, and from old age into death. If we understand the journey pattern, we will be better able to face difficulties and use our experiences to become stronger and more capable.

In small groups List five movies or books that include a quest by a main character/hero. Hero’s Journey’s can be INTERNAL as well as EXTERNAL. But HOW? Can you think of a story that is an internal quest? Is Barefoot Gen internal or external? Is Persepolis internal or external?