1. The Hero Archetype & the Archetypal Journey

2. Joseph Campbell’s Heroic Journey
Stage 1: Birth
Somehow unusual due to linage or circumstances in upbringing
Stage 2: Call to Adventure
Is lured or goes willingly away due to some noble cause
Stage 3: Crossing the Threshold
Enters lands unknown

3. Joseph Campbell’s Heroic Journey
Stage 4: Helpers
Other humans, animals, or creatures assist the hero
Stage 5: Magical Aid
Receives or finds a special weapon
Stage 6: Tests
Is challenged by various enemies or hostile surroundings, and gains strength and wisdom

4. Joseph Campbell’s Heroic Journey
Stage 7: Supreme Ordeal
Ultimate test of wit and courage that threatens the hero’s life
Stage 8: Return Home
Stage 9: Gift to the World
Brings some reward to help in the life thereafter

5. Common Archetypes 1. Colors 2. Seasons 3. Locations
Black- darkness, mystery, the unknown, death, evil
White- light, purity, innocence, timelessness
2. Seasons
Spring- rebirth
Summer- life
Fall- death/ dying
Winter- without life/ death
3. Locations
Garden- paradise, innocence, unspoiled beauty
Desert- lack of spiritual life, death, hopelessness

6. Common Archetypes 4. Symbols 5. Characters A. Hero
Serpent- evil, corruption, sensuality, destruction
Tree- growth, symbol of immortality
Sun
Rising sun- birth, creation, enlightenment
Setting sun- death
5. Characters
A. Hero
Often the heart of a story is not the obstacles he faces, but the new wisdom he acquires, from a mentor, a lover, or even from the villain.
The hero can be an innocent, a wanderer, a martyr, a warrior, a vengeful destroyer, a ruler, or a fool. But the essence of the hero is the sacrifice he makes to achieve his goal.

7. Common Archetypes Characters (continued) B. Mentor
The mentor is a character who aids or trains the hero
The essence of the mentor is the wise old man or woman
The other major role of the mentor is to equip the hero by giving him/ her a gift or gifts which are important in the quest
C. Threshold Guardian
The threshold guardian is the first obstacle to the hero in his journey
The threshold is the gateway to the new world the hero must enter to change and grow
The role of the threshold guardian is to test the hero's mettle and worthiness to begin the story's journey and to show that the journey will not be easy
The hero will encounter the guardian early in the story, usually right after the start of the quest

8. Common Archetypes Characters (continued) 4. Herald E. Shapeshifter
The role of the herald is to announce the challenge which begins the hero on his journey
The herald is the person or piece of information which upsets the sleepy equilibrium in which the hero has lived and starts the adventure
The herald need not be a person. It can be an event or force: the start of a war, a drought or famine, or even an ad in a newspaper
E. Shapeshifter
The shapeshifter changes role or personality, often in significant ways, and is hard to understand
The shapeshifter's alliances and loyalty are uncertain, and the sincerity of his claims is often questionable
The shapeshifter is often a person of the opposite sex, often the hero's romantic interest.
The hero often assumes the role of shapeshifter to get past an obstacle

9. Common Archetypes Characters (continued) F. Shadow G. Trickster
The Shadow archetype is a negative figure, representing things we don't like and would like to eliminate
The shadow often takes the form of the antagonist in a story
G. Trickster
The Trickster is a clown, a mischief maker. He provides the comedy relief that a story often needs to offset heavy dramatic tension
The trickster can be an ally or companion of the hero, or may work for the villain
In some instances the trickster may even be the hero or villain
In any role, the trickster usually represents the force of cunning, and is pitted against opponents who are stronger or more powerful.

10.                
Modern Hero Myths
The Lord of the Rings
The Matrix
Can you name more?