1. I can apply the hero’s journey to complex texts.

2. Hero’s Journey
A common and popular template used throughout different movies, plays, novels, short stories, television series….
Wizard of Oz
Kung Fu Panda
Star Wars
Shrek
The list goes on and on and on and on

3. The Hero’s Journey Separation Initiation and Transformation The Return
The Call
The Threshold
Initiation and Transformation
The Challenges
The Abyss
The Transformation
The Revelation
The Atonement
The Return
The Return…with a gift

4. The Separation: The Call
The call invites the initiate to the adventure
Offers the opportunity to face the unknown and gain something of physical or spiritual value
Could be a willing participant or could be unwilling
Something has been taken and the quest is to regain it
Senses that there is something missing in life and wants to find it
Something is not permitted to society and goes to win it
Wants to save or restore honor

5. Separation: The Threshold
“jumping off point”
The area between the known and unknown
Threshold guardians
People/things that may try to stop you if they think you’re not ready
Step aside and let you pass when ready…that’s a commitment!
Examples
Zazu
Parents
Helpers
Mentor or Guide

6. The Initiation: The Challenges
While on journey, there are several challenges and temptations
Always seem to strike the greatest weakness
Must face weakness and fear to overcome them

7. Initiation: Into the Abyss
Greatest challenge
Overcome greatest fears and weaknesses ALONE
“slay the dragon”

8. Initiation: Transformation and Revelation
Complete abyss = changed and transformed
A part of the hero dies so that a new part can be born
Fear dies to make way for courage
Ignorance dies for enlightenment
Selfish to giving
Revelation – a sudden and dramatic change in the way one things or views life

9. Initiation: The Atonement
To be “at-one” with new self and with life…happy and content with changes
Absorbed all of the changes and is now a true hero
Receives a gift based on new level of skill and awareness.
Richer? Stronger? Leader? Spirit?

10. The Return…With a Gift! Return to everyday life Success: a true hero
Failure: Ostracized? Disillusioned?