1. The Monomyth Stage Two: The Initiation
The Hero’s Journey
The Monomyth
Stage Two: The Initiation

2. The Hero’s Journey
“A hero ventures forth from the world of the common day and into a region of supernatural wonder; fabulous forces are there encountered and a decisive victory is won; the hero comes back from the mysterious adventure with the power to bestow boons on his fellow man.” Joseph Campbell The Hero with a Thousand Faces

3. The Life of the Hero in Three Stages

4. Stage One: Separation
The first stage of the hero’s life; this chronicles the unusual circumstances of his birth. This is when he begins his journey after receiving a signal that great things are in store for him. If he is lucky, he will have a mentor and special gifts that will help him cross the threshold into the greater world beyond.

5. Stage Two: Initiation
The second stage of the hero’s journey crosses into the unknown. The voyage can be outward into the physical unknown or inward to a psychological unknown. This stage of the adventure puts the hero more and more at risk, both emotionally and physically.
The hero must face many challenges in the sacred world. His initiation into this sacred world will cause him to change and grow.
The trials serve as catalysts for inner change and may be steps in his training, preparing him for his eventual confrontation with ____ (to succeed in his main goal).
In some cases, the hero is tried by forces within himself: forces that tempt him to give up, to seek safety, to rest, to settle for less, to go back to the old life or the old ways of perceiving and experiencing things. In other stories, the hero faces external enemies that he must overcome.

6. A. The Road of Trials
A series of tests, tasks or ordeals the hero must complete to begin the transformation
Initial tests often the easiest of the trials
Tests often occur in threes, may include a journey through the “sacred grove” or a battle with a dragon
Hero sometimes fails one or more of the initial tests

7. B. The Meeting with the Goddess
Hero meets the one who inspires him to be his best
Often referred to as the “sacred marriage”, this meeting causes the hero to commit his life to his quest
However, does not have to be a woman; it is an unconditional, spiritual love

8. C. The Temptress
This character tries to seduce the hero away from his path or distract him from his destiny
Temptations are most often physical or material temptations, a conflict between physical pleasure and spiritual ideals
Does not have to be a woman

9. D. The Belly of the Whale
The Belly of the Whale, or the Abyss, is the greatest challenge of the journey
Hero must face his greatest fear alone and resolve it
Can be a physical descent into the Underworld or a journey into the hero’s own soul
Hero is given the clue to what he must do to save not only the world but also himself
Hero descends into a hell-like area (land of the dead?). His return is like returning from the dead. Symbolically goes where normal humans can’t and finds truth about self.
The hero may just die symbolically or people may think he’s dead for a while.

10. E. Atonement
After conquering the Abyss, there is a confrontation and initiation with a male figure, sometimes the hero’s father
The confrontation results in the hero’s letting go of the last elements of childhood: youth, ignorance, worldliness, or selfishness
He becomes “at one” with his new role
The hero MUST change during the course of his journey.
The change is usually gradual and is a natural occurrence given all he goes through. Sometimes the change is very dramatic and the hero will transform physically or will die and be reborn as a new and better person.
The real victory comes when he learns about humanity and has true understanding.
Hero either redeems father’s evil deeds or reconciles with father over wrongs done by the hero.
The “father” does not have to be his/her actual father.
Often the hero must find peace with his father, mother, or ancestors. This goes back to the belief that we cannot truly know ourselves if we do not accept our past and our roots. The hero may be an orphan, or he may gain a surrogate parent along the journey. At any rate, he must accept his past and heritage before he is able to move beyond this and change in any significant way.

11. F. Apotheosis
Part of the transformation of atonement is often a revelation, a sudden, dramatic change in the way the hero thinks or views life
He has incorporated the changes of his journey and is “reborn” as a hero
He is ready to dedicate his life to the greater good
After the hero's journeys are over, the hero is rewarded spiritually in some way. Normally, the hero achieves a life in bliss, often in a place with other heroes, like Valhalla or the Isle of the Blessed from mythology.
Examples differ widely at this point. Although the movie version of his life takes many liberties, the real William Wallace lives on in the spirit of his country, as shown by his statue in Stirling, Scotland (right). There is no indication of what happens to Simba but we can infer from the appearance of his father's spirit that immortality awaits him.
Arthur is called the "Once and Future King" for good reason. Here's Arthur being placed on his funeral ship. His body is set adrift to let the sea carry him off, but he is promised to return one day to reclaim his throne of England. This promise implies his spirit is waiting somewhere and is not really dead, his reward for his sacrifice as king.
Here's the painting from the Sistine Chapel showing Moses' life. He's in two places in this shot, one on the left praying, and again on the right in blue being carried to heaven by angels. Even though he didn't get into the Promised Land, Moses' service to the Yahweh gained him spiritual reward of heaven.
Here's Obi-Wan, Yoda, and Anakin Skywalker in spirit form. They all were Jedi Knights and are now rewarded spiritually for being on the Good Side of the Force, implying that a Jedi like Luke will be rewarded when his body dies.

12. G. Ultimate Boon Boon is the achievement of the goal of his journey
Hero discovers his gift, usually a result of his new level of skill and awareness
Hero is now ready to use his boon to contribute to society, save the kingdom, etc.
The reward or treasure may be an object of great monetary value or something important in some way. It may be something like “knowledge” (about the world, the answer to a mystery, etc.). In short, the prize the hero seeks may assume as many different outward forms as the trials required to achieve it. In essence, however, the goal of the quest is always a priceless psychological gain: an expanded consciousness, a saving insight, or the release of long-suppressed creative powers.

13. H. Unhealable Wound
The hero may suffer a wound that will never heal. This may occur in his main fight, but could happen anywhere in the story/journey.
The wound may be emotional or psychological.