1. The Path to Discovery: THE BASICS
The Hero’s Journey
The Path to Discovery:
THE BASICS

2. Hero’s Journey Joseph Campbell: A Hero with a Thousand Faces
Basic pattern found in myths/narratives throughout the world
Universal pattern
Important myths which have survived for thousands of years all share the same basic structure/stages
A.K.A “Monomyths”
Include ‘archetypes’
generic, idealized model of a person, object, or concept from which similar instances are derived, copied, patterned. A bit like a stereotype, but more complex.

3. Stages 1 & 2: Separation & Call
Separation: Hero dragged from the comforts of home to experience growth and change.
The Call: realization of imbalance or injustice in the hero’s life that invites him into the adventure, the unknown.

4. Stage 3: Threshold
the jumping off point for the adventure; point between known and unknown.
Threshold Guardian(s): obstacles that interfere with or delay the start of the journey.
can be literal (physical barriers, people) or figurative (fears/doubts).
often needed, as the hero is not ready to begin the journey due to youth

5. Stage 4: Challenges/Temptations
obstacles/difficult experiences that test the hero. The hero emerges stronger from each challenge.
HELPERS: Help & support hero along the way; are not present during the final battle

6. Challenges Cont:
MENTOR: a guide that keeps the hero focused on her goal. Helps hero obtain the skills to overcome challenges. Must die so that hero can face biggest challenge alone.

7. Talisman
Just when things are at their worst, help in the form of a supernatural gift
produces magical effects that ‘saves’ the hero.
Can be a person or a thing.

8. Stage 5: The Abyss
greatest challenge of the journey where one must "slay the dragon”
“Belly of the Whale”
Journey to Underworld

9. Stage 6: Revelation/Transformation
a sudden change in the way one thinks or views life
Transformation often occurs through death and rebirth. Symbolic of old self dying and new self being reborn.

10. Stage 7: The Return/Sharing the Gift
final stage where the hero contributes to society.
shares the gift of experience, knowledge, and wisdom—gained through the journey—with the broader community.

11.
(overview of The Odyssey)