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.

Some say it’s older than the Pyramids…

And Stonehenge…

And even cave drawings. (Vogler)

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 argued that all storytelling follows the ancient patterns of myth, and …

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

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

Ordinary World & The Call to Adventure The hero is compelled to leave a mundane life and seek adventure or begin a quest for something specific.

Odysseus is called to fight the Trojan War

Pinocchio wants to become a real boy.

Dorothy wants to leave Kansas.

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

Dorothy runs back to the farm and Auntie Em. A storm is brewing.

The hero receives a gift to help on the journey. Supernatural Aid- Meet the Mentor

The ruby slippers

A conscience

Part II Descent The hero leaves the known and enters the unknown world.

Crossing the Threshold & Acceptance of the Call The hero finally gives in, realizing that there is nobody else who is better qualified to or available to accept responsibility.

The hero leaves the old world behind and enters the new.

Dorothy is carried away to Oz by the tornado.

Test & Trials The hero learns that life in the world of adventure can be difficult.

Allies & Enemies The hero encounters both helpers and those that seek to prevent him from achieving his goal.

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

Atonement with the Father The hero may come up against a 'father figure' who must be beaten, persuaded, or whose approval must be achieved in some way. Ultimately, by whatever means, the difficult relationship between the two must be reconciled.

Part III. The Initiation

The Ordeal The hero must face his biggest fear or overcome his biggest challenge. The fate of the world may be at stake, and it may cost him his life and/or the lives of those he loves most.

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

But you’ve always had the power to go home!

Part IV. The Return

The Road Back The hero wonders if it’s possible to return to the old life. “How can I go back?”

Resurrection & Change: Apotheosis (from Greek root meaning “from God”) The hero recognizes his/her true identity - that spark of divinity within.

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.)

There’s no place like home.

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

Return & Reward Finally, the hero returns to “Kansas.”

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

Reward: Freedom to Live Having faced evil - both from within and without - the hero is free from his/her greatest fear.

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

The Young Hero who yearns for adventure.

Two worlds: The Ordinary 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.

Why study this? 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)

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

“Follow your bliss.” - Joseph Campbell

Written and produced by Mollie Kelleher MMII “What it Is” Written & performed by Mark Knopfler 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

References Brennan, Kristen. “Star Wars Origins.” Jitterbug Fantasia. 20 Sept Campbell, Joseph. The Hero with a Thousand Faces. New York: Mythos Books, Vogler, Christopher. “The Writer’s Journey.” Michael Weiss Productions. 20 Sept