The Epic Hero

A Call to Adventure “You must go with me to Alderaan.” -Obi-Wan Kenobi  The hero starts out living an ordinary life.  He or she is called to go on a quest, often by a “mentor.”  Glinda the Good Witch tells Dorothy she must visit the Wizard of Oz  Obi-Wan Kenobi asks Luke Skywalker to help destroy the Empire  Gandalf enlists Frodo’s help to destroy the One Ring.  The hero might doubt that he or she is capable of completing a quest, and “refuse the call.”  However, the mentor encourages the hero or even gives magical items to help.

The Hero’s Journey “We’re off to see the Wizard.” -Dorothy  The hero goes through many trials on his or her way to achieving the quest.  “Threshold guardians” will block their way to new places. The hero must either outsmart or defeat them.  Allies join the hero to help.  The Tin Man, Scarecrow, and Cowardly Lion help Dorothy  Luke and Obi-Wan hire Han Solo and Chewbacca  The Fellowship of the Ring journey with Frodo

Showdown with a Shadow “ The force is with you, young Skywalker, but you are not a Jedi yet.” -Darth Vader  A “shadow” represents the dark side of the hero.  The Wicked Witch: an evil user of magic  Darth Vader: a fallen Jedi who uses the “dark side” of the Force  Gollum: a hobbit corrupted by the One Ring  The shadow stands in the hero’s way of achieving his or her goal.  Only the hero may fight the shadow. The hero’s mentor or his or her allies are not allowed to interfere.

Claiming the Prize “What have you learned, Dorothy?” -The Tin Man  The hero defeats the shadow and is able to finish his or her quest.  The hero returns back home as a different person then when the quest started.  Sometimes the mentor or the allies leave the hero, knowing that the quest is completed.

There and Back Again “There’s no place like home.” -Dorothy  Others may not recognize the hero when he or she returns home because the hero has changed.  Sometimes the hero has to clean up or fix something that happened to his or her hometown when the hero was on the quest.  The hero has help along the way from magical items, mentors, and allies, but it is ultimately what’s inside the hero that helps the hero win.

Hero Characteristics  The hero is introduced in the middle of the story’s action; previous events will be recounted in flashbacks.  The hero is not only a warrior and a leader, but also a polished speaker.  The hero, often a demi-god, possesses weapons of great size and power, which are often presents from the gods.  Odysseus’ bow  The hero must undertake a long, perilous journey, often involving a descent into the Underworld, which tests his endurance, courage, and craftiness.