The Hero’s Journey

1. The Hero’s Journey “It is as much a physical journey as it is an emotional and spiritual journey. It is a journey toward self-knowledge. Not all the events will follow this exact pattern. A hero is first and foremost an individual.” -Joseph Campbell

2. Departure: First Stage • Ordinary World: The Hero is home with his friends and family. The story starts here so we see the separation. This environment does not always have to be safe, so long as the hero feels connected. • Call to Adventure: There is an awakening in the hero, he wants more than what he has. Sometimes he becomes aware of a new ability or world. Chance and Fate appear, making him leave his comfort zone because of circumstance.

3. Departure: First Stage • Refusal of the Call: Maybe the hero thinks he has it “too good.” Why would he want to leave everything? Often because of this he doesn’t ever move on in his life. Maybe he is waiting for the perfect call. He will often be encouraged or discouraged by other characters. • Supernatural Aid/Mentor: A protective figure giving the hero a physical gift or advice or guidance. Represents a benign, protecting power of destiny that prepares the hero to face the unknown.

4. Departure: First Stage • Crossing the Threshold: The Hero ventures into an unknown world which breaks tradition. He meets the “Threshold Guardian” at the entrance to the zone of magnified power. The Guardian keeps the hero back. Beyond the entrance is darkness, the unknown, and danger. • In the Belly of the Whale: Once the hero crosses the threshold his old world is destroyed and he enters into darkness. He cannot come out until he is ready. Often there is the “darkest, deepest” point. It is a sphere of rebirth and here he grows and changes.

5. Initiation: Second Stage • The Road of Trials: The Hero experiences tests that help him grow. He will appear weak and vulnerable but will begin to grow and change. He finds a part of himself he didn’t know existed and assimilates his unexpected self. The item that the Supernatural Aid gave is now becoming useful. • The Meeting With the Goddess: The Hero meets a goddess that shows him what is perfection. He witnesses what he can accomplish and his mission becomes clearer. She encourages the Hero to continue. She may be a physical being or a feminine representation.

6. Initiation: Second Stage • The Woman as the Temptress: The Hero meets a presence that attempts to destroy his mission. She is sent by evil forces working against him. They try to stop him and make him give up. • Atonement with the Father: Father symbolizes judgment; Hero overcomes fear, judgment, and mental blocks that may have been holding him back. Stage shows growth and responsibility. Movement from realm of the Mother to Father.

7. Initiation: Second Stage • Apothesis: The Hero is in a god-like state, he goes beyond the last terrors of ignorance. He sees the big picture (spiritual understanding). He knows now what the journey is actually about. The journey is not over, but now the Hero can finish strong. He becomes free from all fear, beyond the reach of change. • The Ultimate Boon: The Hero receives the prize that he has been after. The boon may be physical, but will more importantly include a mental/emotional reward.

8. Return: Third Stage • Refusal of the Return: The Hero should bring back his knowledge to humanity but he wishes to remain in isolation with his boon. Hero can refuse and will attain a symbolic death. True refusal occurs rarely, temptation is more prominent. The choice of not going back is important. • Magic in Flight (The Chase): The Hero has his reward and now must return. Forces may still be against him, trying to get the treasure back. Hero is usually changed and the chase is characterized by his bravery and confidence.

9. Return: Third Stage • Rescue from Without: The world may have to come to the Hero’s rescue. Attaining the boon, the Hero is exhausted and needs help. This may be a blow to the Hero’s ego, but he will recover because of his ability to understand the big picture. • Crossing the Return Threshold: There is difficulty in the Hero’s return, his world has changed and so has he. He might not be accepted. He must survive the impact of the world and might not be able to verbalize his experiences. The Hero conquers his difficulty, showing he is able to adapt.

10. Return: Third Stage • Master of Two Worlds: The hero has attained wisdom in both the spiritual and material worlds. He gives up all attachment to personal limitations, hopes, and fears. He no longer tries to live, but willingly relaxes to whatever will happen (Que séra, séra). The boon that he brings restores the world. • Freedom to Live: The Hero knows that every creature lives on the death of another. He understands that it was only through the death of his former self that new life was achieved. Learns to never be afraid of the next moment.

11. Common Archetypes in the Hero’s Journey • Hero: Represents the ego’s search for identity and wholeness. The Hero must sacrifice for the betterment of his society. The Hero must transcend the boundaries of the ego and incorporate all aspects of their personality. • Mentor: Usually is a positive who aids or trains the Hero. The Mentor teaches, gives gifts, or acts as a moral conscience. • Companions: Friends that the Hero meets either during or at the beginning of his journey. Offer guidance and help. Often embody different aspects of the Hero. • Threshold Guardians: Represent obstacles that the Hero must overcome as they cross into new worlds. They are menacing but he can over come them if he is worthy. • Herald: Force that brings a challenge to the Hero. It will issue a challenge and announce the coming of significant change. This shifts the Hero’s balance and forces him to make a life changing decision.

12. Common Archetypes in the Hero’s Journey • Trickster: Embodies the energy of mischief and the desire for change. Clowns or comical sidekicks often represent this archetype. • Shapeshifter:Elusive archetype, often the opposite sex, who constantly changes from the Hero’s point of view. They may mislead the Hero and their loyalty or sincerity is constantly in question. They often appear in masks of disguise. • Shadow:Represents the energy of the dark side: an unexpressed, unrealized, or rejected aspect of something. Shadows are things humans don’t want to admit to themselves. Often projected into villains, antagonists, and enemies. Sometimes a Shadow is a Threshold Guardian. • Brother/Sister: A close relative or sibling that the Hero may look up to or despise, but still loves. Often times is the source of the Hero’s foil and will take on aspects of the Shadow.