I can apply the hero’s journey to complex texts.

Hero’s Journey A common and popular template used throughout different movies, plays, novels, short stories, television series…. Wizard of Oz Kung Fu Panda Star Wars Shrek The list goes on and on and on and on

The Hero’s Journey Separation Initiation and Transformation The Return The Call The Threshold Initiation and Transformation The Challenges The Abyss The Transformation The Revelation The Atonement The Return The Return…with a gift

The Separation: The Call The call invites the initiate to the adventure Offers the opportunity to face the unknown and gain something of physical or spiritual value Could be a willing participant or could be unwilling Something has been taken and the quest is to regain it Senses that there is something missing in life and wants to find it Something is not permitted to society and goes to win it Wants to save or restore honor

Separation: The Threshold “jumping off point” The area between the known and unknown Threshold guardians People/things that may try to stop you if they think you’re not ready Step aside and let you pass when ready…that’s a commitment! Examples Zazu Parents Helpers Mentor or Guide

The Initiation: The Challenges While on journey, there are several challenges and temptations Always seem to strike the greatest weakness Must face weakness and fear to overcome them

Initiation: Into the Abyss Greatest challenge Overcome greatest fears and weaknesses ALONE “slay the dragon”

Initiation: Transformation and Revelation Complete abyss = changed and transformed A part of the hero dies so that a new part can be born Fear dies to make way for courage Ignorance dies for enlightenment Selfish to giving Revelation – a sudden and dramatic change in the way one things or views life

Initiation: The Atonement To be “at-one” with new self and with life…happy and content with changes Absorbed all of the changes and is now a true hero Receives a gift based on new level of skill and awareness. Richer? Stronger? Leader? Spirit?

The Return…With a Gift! Return to everyday life Success: a true hero Failure: Ostracized? Disillusioned?