2. Elements of the EPIC HERO CYCLE

3. THE CALL TO ADVENTURE
The cycle begins with a conflict or adventure the hero is compelled to pursue or resolve
This is where the hero is enticed to leave the ordinary world.
Example: In The Matrix, Trinity tells Neo he is really searching for the Matrix

4. Wise and often strange beings who help/teach/guide the hero
HELPERS
Wise and often strange beings who help/teach/guide the hero
Example: In the Wizard of Oz, Dorothy’s helpers are Toto, Tin Man, Scarecrow, and Cowardly Lion

5. Often provided by the Helper
Supernatural Aid
Helps the hero resolve conflict (special weapons, skills, magic, information)
Often provided by the Helper
Example: In The Empire Strikes Back, Yoda teaches Luke the ways of the Force

6. Crossing the Threshold Departure
The threshold is a gateway to a new world the hero must enter to change and grow
Example: In
Gladiator,
Maximus is
bought as
a slave and
enters the world
of gladiators

7. Descent and Challenges
Challenges the hero will face when trying to conquer the adventure/conflict
Example: In Finding Nemo, Nemo and Dory encounter Bruce, the shark.

8. Underworld & Final Battle
Climax of journey, all will be won or lost and the hero will encounter fear or death
Example: In 300, The Battle of Thermopylae

9. Meeting with Goddess
Hero will often meet a woman after the final battle, may be a mother figure
Example: The Lord of the
Rings: The Two Towers,
Arwen and Aragorn
have an encounter

10. Atonement and Recognition by Father
Hero reconciles with father figure
Not always a literal father, may be represented by a spiritual figure
Example: In Star Wars, Luke confronts Darth Vader and then finds that Vader is his father.

11. Something a hero must bring back to society to restore peace
The Ultimate Boon
Something a hero must bring back to society to restore peace
Example: In Indiana Jones, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Indiana Jones gains the Ark of the Covenant

12. Return The way the hero is received upon his return
The hero returns to home turf, where he is safe from further pursuit
Example: The Wizard of Oz, Dorothy clicks her heels and returns home

13. Example: Lance Armstrong as an inspiration to those battling cancer
Master of Two Worlds
Once the hero returns from the journey, he/she is a better person and affects their world in a positive way
Example: Lance Armstrong as an inspiration to those battling cancer

14. Which step of the epic hero cycle would Napoleon Dynamite’s dance fall under?