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 asserted 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.

Traits of Campbell's Hero

Unusual Circumstances of Birth Often in danger or born into royalty –Luke w/ aunt and uncle –Simba born a prince –Moses put in basket –King Arthur in danger from Uther Pendragon’s rivals

Leaves Family Raised away from his people –Luke w/ aunt and uncle –Simba w/ Timon and Poobah –King Arthur w/ Merlin –William Wallace with uncle –Moses w/ Pharaoh’s daughter

Call to Adventure (After Traumatic Event) A hero’s life is changed forever –Luke’s aunt and uncle’s death –Wallace’s wife is killed –Arthur pulls sword from stone –Simba fights Nala –Yahweh appears to Moses

Odysseus is called to fight the Trojan War

Pinocchio wants to become a real boy.

Dorothy wants to leave Kansas.

Special Weapon Only the hero can wield his weapon –Luke’s light saber –Arthur’s Excalibur –Moses’ staff –Wallace’s sword –Simba’s... claws?

Supernatural Help Hero often has spiritual guidance –Luke hears Obi-Wan Kenobi –Arthur has Merlin –Yahweh guides Moses –Wallace dreams of his dead father –Simba sees Mufasa in the sky and has Rafiki help him

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

The ruby slippers

A conscience

Faces “tests” Proves Him/herself Hero performs feats while on Quest –Luke blows up Death Star, leads rebellion –Arthur leads battles –Moses perform miracles –Simba contemplates his life –Wallace leads his men against British

Physical/Psychological Tests Like Jonah and Pinocchio, the hero experiences the “dark night of the soul” and must face his faults and the truth about his own flaws.

For some, the “belly of the whale” experience (or physical/psychological test) is a situation in which the hero enters a physical zone of danger.

The message is that we all have a shadow self and must deal with it at some point in our lives.

Through these tests, the hero learns that life in the world of adventure can be difficult.

Journey into Dark Place & Unhealable Wound Hero descends into a hell-like area and suffers wounding from encounter w/ evil –Symbolically goes where normal humans can’t and finds truth about self

Atonement with Parents 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.

Atonement With Father Hero either redeems father’s evil deeds or reconciles with father over wrongs done by the hero

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

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

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

There’s no place like home.

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 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?

Profound: from the Latin “profundus,” meaning “just before the bottom” or “at the edge of death.” (Brennan)

“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.

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

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

“Follow your bliss.” - Joseph Campbell