THE HERO’S JOURNEY Based on information from and Prezi.Com/Oz4cwbv0y5or/The-epic-journey-of-bilbo-baggins/

INTRODUCTION Joseph Campbell, an American psychologist and mythological researcher, wrote a famous book entitled The Hero with A Thousand Faces. In his lifelong research, Campbell discovered many common patterns running through hero myths and stories from around the world. Years of research led Campbell to discover several basic stages that almost every hero quest goes though, no matter what culture the myth is part of. He calls this common structure “monomyth.” Many followers of Campbell have defined the stages of his monmyth in various ways, sometimes applying different names for certain stages. For this reason there are many different versions of the Hero’s Journey that retain the same basic elements.

THE ORDINARY WORLD Heroes exist in a world that is considered ordinary or uneventful by those who live there. Often the hero is considered odd by those in the ordinary world and possesses some ability or characteristic that makes him feel out of place.

THE CALL TO ADVENTURE For heroes to begin their journeys, they must be called away from the ordinary world. Most heroes show a reluctance to leave their home, their friends, and their life to journey on a quest. If he accepts the call to adventure, the hero advances into the next stage of his journey; if he refuses, the stage is set for disaster – refusal of the quest only brings trouble!

ENTERING THE UNKNOWN As they embark on their journey, heroes enter a world they have never experienced before. Very often it is filled with supernatural creatures, breathtaking sights, and the constant threat of death. Unlike the hero’s home, this outside world has its own rules and the hero must quickly learn to respect these rules as his endurance, strength, and spirit are tested time and time again.

Supernatural aid Supernatural doesn’t always have to mean magical. It simply means “above the laws of nature.” Heroes are almost always started on their journey by a character who has mastered the laws of the outside world and come back to bestow this wisdom on the hero. This character gives the hero the means to complete the quest. It might be as simple as wisdom or an object with magical powers. The job of the supernatural assistor is to give the hero what he needs to finish the quest – not to finish it for him.

TALISMAN The talisman is a special (and often magical) item that assists the hero on his quest.

Allies/helpers Every hero needs a helper. Without this helper, the hero would fail miserably.

Tests and the supreme ordeal The hero progresses through a series of tests, a set of obstacles that makes him stronger and prepares him for his final showdown. All the hero’s training and hard work comes into play now. The journey has hardened him and it’s time for him to show his competence. Once this obstacle is overcome, the tension is relieved, the worst is passed. The quest, while not officially over, has succeeded.

Reward and the journey home Typically, there is a reward given to heroes for passing the Supreme Ordeal. After the reward has been received, the hero can return home.

Master of two worlds/ restoring the world Success on the hero’s quest is life-changing. By achieving victory, the hero has grown in spirit and strength.