The Hero’s Journey: The Epic in 11 parts

The Hero’s Journey: The Epic in 11 parts The Odyssey, Star Wars and The Wizard of Oz: Stories of Epic Proportion

The call to adventure Refusal of the Call Supernatural Aid Crossing of the first threshold Belly of the Whale Call to Adventure: An invitation to Journey

Call to Adventure • In the Iliad, Odysseus is called to journey by Agamemnon and Menlaus. • In the Odyssey, the hero is called or challenged by Poseidon, god of the seas.

Refusal of the Call • Because the hero is mortal (human) often times, the call is refused. In the Odyssey, the hero claims insanity until he is tricked.

Refusal of the Call • Dorothy, in The Wizard of Oz, tries to keep out of the tornado that eventually pulls her into the land of Oz. • When asked by Ben Kenobi, Luke refuses his call claiming that he is needed on his uncle’s farm

Supernatural Aid • Most of our heroes receive help from beyond their own world. • Odysseus has Athena on his side • Dorothy has Glenda the Good Witch to help her • Luke has Ben Kenobi, Yoda, and “The Force”

Crossing of the Threshold • In order for the journey to take place, the hero must leave his own world and enter the “other” world. • Dorothy is transported to Oz • Luke must journey outside of Tattoine • Odysseus is blown off course to the land of the lotus eaters

Belly of the Whale • Often considered the lowest point of the hero’s journey, this is where he/she is trapped away from home and fully involved in the journey. At this point in the story, the hero has to rely soley on his/herself for safety.

Belly of the Whale • Luke and friends get stuck in the trash compactor • Odysseus finds himself and his crew in the Cave of the Cyclops • Dorothy finds herself alone in the Witch’s Castle

Initiation: Trials and Challenges • The Road of Trials • The Great Love/Temptation • The Ultimate Gift/Reward

The Road of Trials • Throughout The Wizard of Oz, The Odyssey, and Star Wars, the hero is confronted with one trial after another. Usually he/she is victorious, though sometimes not. Often times it is through the hero’s own weakness that victory isn’t reached.

Great Love/Temptation • In most journeys, there is the temptation to quit, or some distraction from the hero’s goal. • Odysseus has Circe and Calypso • Dorothy has the field of poppies • Luke has Leia

Ultimate Gift/Reward • What the hero has been after all along • Odysseus is promised a safe passage home • Luke finds his father • Dorothy is given the key to the ruby slippers

The Return Home • Rescue from without • Crossing the return threshold • Freedom to live

Rescue from without • Most heroes require help, often supernatural, from outside of their normal world in order to return home. • Odysseus has his Mother and Athena • Dorothy has Glenda the Good Witch • Luke has Ben Kenobi and Yoda

Crossing the return threshold • Just as the hero had to cross into the “other world” now he/she has to cross back. This time, the hero must bring back all the new knowledge acquired in his/her journeys and use it in the “real world”. In some stories this is the end.

Crossing the return threshold • Odysseus crosses over when Athena disguises him for his return to Ithaca • Dorothy crosses the threshold with a click of her heels. • Luke, along with Han, Leia and Chewie, crosses over with the awards ceremony after destroying the Death Star.

Freedom to Live • The ultimate reward for any hero. At this point all challenges have been conquered and enemies slain. • Odysseus reaches this point by reclaiming his family, slaying Penelope’s suitors and making amends with Poseidon.

Freedom to Live • Dorothy reaches this point when she awakens and finds herself safe in Kansas with her family and friends. • Luke hasn’t yet found this place. There are still challenges ahead for him.

The Hero’s Journey: The Epic in 11 parts