The Hero’s Journey or Quest The “quest” pattern is one of the most popular archetypal stories. It has been used over and over through time, through myths, stories, novels, movies, etc. Therefore, it is one of the most recognizable patterns.

The classic or “basic” hero's journey outlines the search for someone, something, or even information. The classic or “basic” hero's journey outlines the search for someone, something, or even information. While on the journey, the hero faces a series of steps where they triumph over challenges or evil. While on the journey, the hero faces a series of steps where they triumph over challenges or evil. This pattern has been followed by all mythological heroes across all cultures. The Quest for the Holy Grail in Arthurian Legend is one example of this common pattern. More commonly, The Fellowship of the Ring is another example. This pattern has been followed by all mythological heroes across all cultures. The Quest for the Holy Grail in Arthurian Legend is one example of this common pattern. More commonly, The Fellowship of the Ring is another example.

Therefore, in order to be “called a hero” and achieve such “great” status, the character has to be successful at each “stage” in order to be worthy enough to progress to the next step in the journey. Therefore, in order to be “called a hero” and achieve such “great” status, the character has to be successful at each “stage” in order to be worthy enough to progress to the next step in the journey.

The Hero’s Journey: A Common Cycle in Literature 2. The Call to Adventure 3. Separation from Community AND 4. Entry to the Unknown 5. Facing Tests and Trials (Obstacles) 6. Supreme Ordeal Faces the Hardest Test 7. Emergence from the World of the Unknown 8. Return to Own Community 1. The Birth of the Hero is Described OR Background Information on the Hero is Provided

The Common Cycle The Birth of the Hero is Described OR Background Information on the Hero is : Provided: Traditionally the hero’s mother is a virgin, the circumstances of his conception are unusual, and at birth some attempt is made to kill him. He is spirited away and raised by foster parents. OR Information about the “hero” is shared. At this time in the story, you may not know that this character will be “the hero” Traditionally the hero’s mother is a virgin, the circumstances of his conception are unusual, and at birth some attempt is made to kill him. He is spirited away and raised by foster parents. OR Information about the “hero” is shared. At this time in the story, you may not know that this character will be “the hero”

The Common Hero’s Cycle The Call to Adventure The Call to Adventure The hero is “called” by himself or others to complete a task that will take him away from his regular “role” in his own society. He often faces danger. The “call” can require him to rescue someone, attain an object or go out on his own for self-growth. The hero is “called” by himself or others to complete a task that will take him away from his regular “role” in his own society. He often faces danger. The “call” can require him to rescue someone, attain an object or go out on his own for self-growth. Separation and Entry to the Unknown Separation and Entry to the Unknown As a result of the call, the hero must leave the safety of his own known community and venture into a world of unknown dangers. As a result of the call, the hero must leave the safety of his own known community and venture into a world of unknown dangers.

The Hero’s Quest Continues Facing Tests and Trials ( Obstacles) The character who is the hero faces a number of challenges on his journey. He may be faced with mental choices, physical tests, spiritual questions, etc. The Supreme Ordeal This is the MOST difficult challenge or obstacle that the hero faces. Completing and overcoming this “trial” marks the end of the “testing” stage where the hero had to prove his worth.

The Hero’s Journey Emergence from the World of the Unknown After the hero has completed his last task, he leaves the world of the unknown. Return The hero heads back to his family, friends, and home within his or her own community. The hero brings back knowledge, perhaps goods, returns his community to safety or provides some other reward for the good of others. The hero himself receives a reward of honour, acknowledgement, respect and perhaps love for his efforts.