An Archetypal Story

1. The Hero's Journey An Archetypal Story

2. Archetype: A pattern, such as a type of character or type of story, that is repeated in literature.

3. The hero’s journey is one of the oldest story archetypes on the planet.

4. Some say it’s older than the Pyramids…

5. And Stonehenge…

6. And even cave drawings. (Vogler)

7. The components of the hero’s journey were identified and developed by Joseph Campbell, who was the world’s foremost authority on mythology.

8. In his book, The Hero with a Thousand Faces, Campbell asserted that all storytelling follows the ancient patterns of myth, and …

9. …that all stories use elements of the Hero’s Journey. Campbell called this archetype a Monomyth.

10. George Lucas, the creator of Star Wars, consulted with Campbell while writing the scripts for the first Star Wars trilogy.

11. The function of the story is to entertain, to instruct, and to inspire. The hero’s journey is a metaphor for life itself.

12. Part I: Departure

13. A. The Call to Adventure The hero is compelled to leave a mundane life and seek adventure or begin a quest for something specific.

15. B. The Refusal of the Call The hero has second thoughts; adventure looks too risky or hero feels inadequate.

16. Dorothy runs back to the farm and Auntie Em. A storm is brewing.

17. Not exactly what I signed up for…

18. C. Acceptance of the Call The hero finally accedes, realizing that there is nobody else who is better qualified to or available to accept responsibility.

20. D. Supernatural Aid A guide or magical helper appears or becomes known. He may provide an object with “magical” abilities.

21. The ruby slippers

22. Magic Wand

23. Mockingjay Pin

24. E. Crossing the First Threshold The hero leaves the old world behind and enters the new.

26. F. The Belly of the Whale Like Jonah and Pinocchio, the hero experiences the “dark night of the soul” and must face his faults and the truth about his own flaws.

27. For some, the belly of the whale experience is a situation in which the hero enters a physical zone of danger.

28. Katniss prepares to enter the arena.

29. Luke approaches the Deathstar.

30. The message is that we all have a shadow self and must deal with it at some point in our lives.

31. Part II Initiation

32. During the “Initiation” phase, the hero learns how to live in the new world.

33. A. The Road of Trials The hero learns that life in the world of adventure can be difficult.

35. B. Meeting with the Goddess All-powerful, all encompassing, unconditional love.

36. C. Woman as Temptress Someone or something tries to distract the hero from his goal. Circe the witch tries to keep Odysseus on her island.

37. Shrek’s way of life. The Mirror of Erised

38. D. Atonement with the Father The hero may come up against a 'father figure' who must be beaten, persuaded, or whose approval must be achieved in some way. Ultimately, by whatever means, the difficult relationship between the two must be reconciled.

40. E. Apotheosis (from Greek roots meaning “from God”) The hero recognizes his/her true identity - that spark of divinity within – divine knowledge, love, compassion, and bliss.

41. But you’ve always had the power to go home!

42. The Chosen One

43. “I keep wishing I could think of a way to…to show the Capitol they don’t own me.”

44. F. The Ultimate Boon The hero succeeds in his/her mission. Dorothy returns to Emerald City with the witch’s broom.

45. Katniss and Peeta survive and both become victors.

46. Simba restores peace to Pride Rock.

47. Part III. The Return

48. A. Refusal of Return The hero wonders if it’s possible to return to the old life. “How can I go back?”

49. How can I leave my new best friends?

50. Will things still be the same?