1. Twelve Stages of the Hero’s Journey “The Hero Quest”

2. Archetype
DEF. the original pattern or model from which all things of the same kind are copied or on which they are based; a model or first form; prototype.

4. Archetype Example of A Hero The Lessons
Motto: Where there's a will, there's a way
Core desire: to prove one's worth through courageous acts
Goal: expert mastery in a way that improves the world

5. Archetype Example Cont.
Greatest fear: weakness, vulnerability, being a "chicken“
Strategy: to be as strong and competent as possible
Weakness: arrogance, always needing another battle to fight
Talent: competence and courage

6. Stage 1: Life in the Ordinary World
Normal everyday existence.
No conflict.
Life as usual.
Peaceful, calm, quiet, ordered.

7. Stage 2: A “Call” to Adventure
A serious situation emerges that threatens life in the ordinary world.
The hero is “summoned” or “called upon” to undertake a very important task or mission.

8. Stage 3: Refusal of the Call
The hero sees the task as overwhelming and feels inadequate or unable to fulfill the quest.
Or the hero doesn’t want to undertake the task or quest.
Or the hero doesn’t believe the quest is essential.
Or someone refuses the call for him/her.

9. Stage 4: Discovering a Mentor
Mentor = Guide
The hero finds a mentor / “friend” who will guide, instruct or lead him.
The mentor typically convinces the hero that the task or mission is necessary.
Confidence Booster

10. Stage 5: Crossing the “Threshold”
The hero leaves his world, his “home,” behind and embarks on a journey.
This marks the beginning of the quest.
They are committed to the Quest

11. Stage 6: Finding Allies and Encountering Enemies
The Hero learns the rules of the UnKnown world.
-The Hero learns who to trust and who the enemies are.
-The hero must make decisions that affect them later.

12. Stage 7: Tests & Challenges
Hero undergoes many tests and challenges.
Each challenge brings him closer to his goal
Each challenge develops them as a hero (makes him stronger, bolder, wiser, etc…)

13. Stage 8: Approaching the “Innermost Cave”
The hero must enter a place of darkness.
Literally: a deep cave, underground, a very dark and scary place.
Figuratively: emotional depression, sadness, melancholy.
Hero learns something of extreme value during this stage.
Usually gets their butt kicked here.

14. Stage 9: Seizing the Sword
The hero finds the courage and nerve to face his “enemy” head on.
The hero decides it’s “all or nothing.”
The hero decides it’s time to act.

15. Stage 10: The Ultimate Ordeal
The Hero undergoes his most challenging test.
Usually face-to-face with his mortal enemy.
Boss Battle

16. Stage 11: Resurrection Literal or figurative
The hero dies and is miraculously brought back to life.
The hero is thought to be dead, only to return again, surprising everyone.
The hero is reborn into a higher state of being or consciousness.

17. Stage 12: Returning with the Elixir
An “elixir” is a potent potion that restores one to health.
The hero brings back an “elixir” that restores his ordinary world.
The “elixir” can be peace, calm, hope, order, a cure, an actual healing potion, etc…