The Heros Journey

The Path to Discovery

Heros Journey
J. Campbell: A Hero with a Thousand Faces
Basic pattern in narratives around the world
Universal pattern
Important myths which have survived for
thousands of years all share the same
basic structure/stages
A.K.A Monomyths
Include archetypes
generic, idealized model of a person, object, or concept
from which similar instances are derived, copied, patterned.
A bit like a stereotype, but more complex.

Separation & Call to Adventure

Separation: Hero dragged from the
comforts of home to experience growth
and change.
The Call: realization of imbalance or
injustice in the heros life that invites
him into the adventure, the unknown.

Obstacles interfere with or delay the start of

the journey.
can be literal (physical barriers, people) or
figurative (fears/doubts).
the hero may resist the journey
eventually compelled to go

Supernatural Aid/Talisman:
Hero receives helpful tool

Threshold
the jumping off point for the adventure;
point between known and unknown.
Can take the form of:
a physical barrier being crossed
a figurative barrier
an emotional barrier
facing someones death

Belly of the Whale

face own fears and weaknesses
alone, isolated, unsure of next step
confront our Shadow Self
Part of us we doubt or that keeps us from
being the better version of ourselves

Challenges: The Road of Trials

obstacles/difficult experiences that test
the hero. The hero emerges stronger
from each challenge.
HELPERS: support hero along the way;
are not present during the final battle

Challenges (cont.):
Mentor: guide keeps
hero focused on goal.
Helps hero with skills
Must die or leave so that hero can face
biggest challenge alone.

The Abyss / The Great Ordeal

Greatest challenge of the journey where
one must "slay the dragon
Underworld/Hell: death is experienced
Can be literal or figurative (or combo)

Transformation / Resurrection
Hero changed by the journey
Symbolic: old self dies; new self reborn
Apotheosis: hero recognizes own power
Boon: the goal of the quest is obtained
Magic Flight: hero may have to escape with
and have outside rescue

The Return & Sharing the Gift (Elixir)

Hero may initially resist/refuse returning
Hero eventually returns and contributes
to society
shares wisdom or a prize gained

The hero is immortalized