hero’s journey. steps of the journey archetypes

Hero’sHero’sJourneyJourney

Steps of the JourneySteps of the Journey

ArchetypesArchetypes

StepsSteps

Ordinary WorldOrdinary WorldCall to AdventureCall to AdventureRefusal of the CallRefusal of the CallMeeting with the MentorMeeting with the MentorCrossing the First ThresholdCrossing the First ThresholdTest, Allies, and EnemiesTest, Allies, and EnemiesApproaching the Inmost CaveApproaching the Inmost CaveSupreme OrdealSupreme OrdealRewardRewardRoad BackRoad BackResurrectionResurrectionReturn with the ElixirReturn with the Elixir

ArchetypesArchetypes

HeroHeroHeraldHeraldThreshold GuardianThreshold GuardianMentorMentorTricksterTricksterShapeshifterShapeshifterShadowShadowSidekicksSidekicksHenchmenHenchmen

Journey

Marks a transition from childhood to adulthood

If Hero is an adult, they overcome a flaw, often one that is psychological

The Hero’s job is to…

RESTORE BALANCERESTORE BALANCE

Three Basic Types of Journeys

Quest for the Elixir

Slay the Dragon

Rescue the Maiden

Quest for Elixir

Slay the DragonSlay the Dragon

TheseusTheseus

Rescue the Maiden

ArchetypesArchetypes

HeroHeroHeraldHeraldThreshold GuardianThreshold GuardianMentorMentorTricksterTricksterShapeshifterShapeshifterShadowShadowSidekicksSidekicksHenchmenHenchmen

Early HeroesEarly Heroes

BeowulfBeowulf

TheseusTheseus

HerculesHercules

HeroHero

Divine Right of Kings Divine Right of Kings

King ArthurKing Arthur

HeroHero

ProtagonistProtagonistNoble BirthNoble BirthOften has a flaw that will be worked out Often has a flaw that will be worked out during story CHARACTER ARCduring story CHARACTER ARCSpecial AbilitySpecial Abilityfrom whom something has been taken from whom something has been taken feels something is lacking from the normal feels something is lacking from the normal experiences available or permitted to the experiences available or permitted to the members of his society members of his society

StepsSteps

Ordinary WorldOrdinary WorldCall to AdventureCall to AdventureRefusal of the CallRefusal of the CallMeeting with the MentorMeeting with the MentorCrossing the First ThresholdCrossing the First ThresholdTest, Allies, and EnemiesTest, Allies, and EnemiesApproaching the Inmost CaveApproaching the Inmost CaveSupreme OrdealSupreme OrdealRewardRewardRoad BackRoad BackResurrectionResurrectionReturn with the ElixirReturn with the Elixir

ORDINARY WORLDORDINARY WORLD

Hero in mundane surroundingsHero in mundane surroundings

At homeAt home

At workAt work

StepsSteps

Ordinary WorldOrdinary World

Call to AdventureCall to AdventureRefusal of the CallRefusal of the CallMeeting with the MentorMeeting with the MentorCrossing the First ThresholdCrossing the First ThresholdTest, Allies, and EnemiesTest, Allies, and EnemiesApproaching the Inmost CaveApproaching the Inmost CaveSupreme OrdealSupreme OrdealRewardRewardRoad BackRoad BackResurrectionResurrectionReturn with the ElixirReturn with the Elixir

Call to AdventureCall to Adventure

Hero receives a call to adventure Hero receives a call to adventure

Call can be in many formsCall can be in many forms– Odysseus – Calypso tells him he can goOdysseus – Calypso tells him he can go– JAWS – phone call to Brody JAWS – phone call to Brody – Wizard of OZ – TornadoWizard of OZ – Tornado– Lion King – Nala tells Simba of pride’s Lion King – Nala tells Simba of pride’s

misfortunesmisfortunes

ArchetypesArchetypes

HeroHero

HeraldHeraldThreshold GuardianThreshold GuardianMentorMentorTricksterTricksterShapeshifterShapeshifterShadowShadowSidekicksSidekicksHenchmenHenchmen

HERALD HERALD

Brings the news to the HeroBrings the news to the Hero

CharacterCharacter

EventEvent

ObjectObject

StepsSteps

Ordinary WorldOrdinary WorldCall to AdventureCall to Adventure

Refusal of the CallRefusal of the CallMeeting with the MentorMeeting with the MentorCrossing the First ThresholdCrossing the First ThresholdTest, Allies, and EnemiesTest, Allies, and EnemiesApproaching the Inmost CaveApproaching the Inmost CaveSupreme OrdealSupreme OrdealRewardRewardRoad BackRoad BackResurrectionResurrectionReturn with the ElixirReturn with the Elixir

Refusal of the CallRefusal of the Call

Hero refuses to go on adventureHero refuses to go on adventure

– InternalInternal

– ExternalExternal

ArchetypesArchetypes

HeroHeroHeraldHerald

Threshold GuardianThreshold GuardianMentorMentorTricksterTricksterShapeshifterShapeshifterShadowShadowSidekicksSidekicksHenchmenHenchmen

Threshold GuardiansThreshold Guardians

Aunt and Uncle in Harry PotterAunt and Uncle in Harry Potter

Fear of water in JawsFear of water in Jaws

Uncle in Star WarsUncle in Star Wars

Guilt over father’s death – Lion KingGuilt over father’s death – Lion King

Distrust of Calypso - OdysseusDistrust of Calypso - Odysseus

StepsSteps

Ordinary WorldOrdinary WorldCall to AdventureCall to AdventureRefusal of the CallRefusal of the Call

Meeting with the MentorMeeting with the MentorCrossing the First ThresholdCrossing the First ThresholdTest, Allies, and EnemiesTest, Allies, and EnemiesApproaching the Inmost CaveApproaching the Inmost CaveSupreme OrdealSupreme OrdealRewardRewardRoad BackRoad BackResurrectionResurrectionReturn with the ElixirReturn with the Elixir

Meeting with the MentorMeeting with the Mentor

Mentor’s role is to get Hero to accept Call Mentor’s role is to get Hero to accept Call to Adventureto Adventure

Often teaches the Hero how to survive in Often teaches the Hero how to survive in Magical WorldMagical World

Is often an older man or woman and was a Is often an older man or woman and was a Hero in his/her own storyHero in his/her own story

Usually dies or leaves so hero can face Usually dies or leaves so hero can face Shadow aloneShadow alone

ArchetypesArchetypes

HeroHeroHeraldHeraldThreshold GuardianThreshold Guardian

MentorMentorTricksterTricksterShapeshifterShapeshifterShadowShadowSidekicksSidekicksHenchmenHenchmen

MentorMentor

Mentor – Odysseus - TelemachusMentor – Odysseus - TelemachusObi Wan KenobiObi Wan KenobiRafiki – Lion KingRafiki – Lion KingMatt Hooper – JawsMatt Hooper – JawsGlinda – Wizard of OzGlinda – Wizard of OzFairy Godmother – Ashenputtle CinderellaFairy Godmother – Ashenputtle CinderellaDumbledore – Harry PotterDumbledore – Harry PotterMorpheus – The MatrixMorpheus – The Matrix

Special WeaponSpecial Weapon

The Mentor often gives the Hero a special The Mentor often gives the Hero a special weapon or special knowledgeweapon or special knowledge

This weapon is often what allows the Hero This weapon is often what allows the Hero to complete their questto complete their quest

Perseus – Athena’s Shield and Herme’s Perseus – Athena’s Shield and Herme’s SwordSword

StepsStepsOrdinary WorldOrdinary WorldCall to AdventureCall to AdventureRefusal of the CallRefusal of the CallMeeting with the MentorMeeting with the Mentor

Crossing the First ThresholdCrossing the First ThresholdTest, Allies, and EnemiesTest, Allies, and EnemiesApproaching the Inmost CaveApproaching the Inmost CaveSupreme OrdealSupreme OrdealRewardRewardRoad BackRoad BackResurrectionResurrectionReturn with the ElixirReturn with the Elixir

Crossing the First ThresholdCrossing the First Threshold

Hero crosses from Ordinary World into Hero crosses from Ordinary World into Magical WorldMagical World

Often crosses a special portal or boundaryOften crosses a special portal or boundary– Platform 9 ¾ - Harry PotterPlatform 9 ¾ - Harry Potter– Mos Eisley – Star WarsMos Eisley – Star Wars– Landing in Oz Landing in Oz – Leaving Ogyia – OdysseusLeaving Ogyia – Odysseus– Wardrobe – Chronicles of NarniaWardrobe – Chronicles of Narnia

Tests, Allies and EnemiesTests, Allies and Enemies

Hero learns about rules in Magical WorldHero learns about rules in Magical World

Hero is REACTIVEHero is REACTIVE

Mentor trains HeroMentor trains Hero

Hero is tested Hero is tested

Watering Hole – Hero often meets Watering Hole – Hero often meets potential allies and henchmen of the potential allies and henchmen of the Shadow at a bar, restaurant, or similar Shadow at a bar, restaurant, or similar type scenetype scene

Watering HoleWatering Hole

Sorting Hat Ceremony – Harry PotterSorting Hat Ceremony – Harry Potter

Space Port Bar – Star WarsSpace Port Bar – Star Wars

Many feasts and sacrificesMany feasts and sacrifices

Simba learns to eat bugsSimba learns to eat bugs

A place to meet other archetypes such as A place to meet other archetypes such as Trickster, Shapeshifter, Sidekicks, and Trickster, Shapeshifter, Sidekicks, and HenchmenHenchmen

Your school’s Watering Hole?Your school’s Watering Hole?

Training

Tests

ArchetypesArchetypes

HeroHeroHeraldHeraldThreshold GuardianThreshold GuardianMentorMentor

TricksterTricksterShapeshifterShapeshifterShadowShadowSidekicksSidekicksHenchmenHenchmen

TricksterTrickster

Provides comic relief Provides comic relief

Unpredictable CrazyUnpredictable Crazy

Often gets Hero into Often gets Hero into troubletrouble

May be aligned with Hero, May be aligned with Hero, Shadow or IndependentShadow or Independent

ArchetypesArchetypes

HeroHeroHeraldHeraldThreshold GuardianThreshold GuardianMentorMentorTricksterTrickster

ShapeshifterShapeshifterShadowShadowSidekicksSidekicksHenchmenHenchmen

ShapeshifterShapeshifter

Difficult to determine the Shapeshifter’s Difficult to determine the Shapeshifter’s allegianceallegiance

Their allegiance often changes or appears Their allegiance often changes or appears to changeto change

Adds to dramatic tensionAdds to dramatic tension

ProteusProteus

ZeusZeus

Femme fatal in love storiesFemme fatal in love stories

ArchetypesArchetypes

HeroHeroHeraldHeraldThreshold GuardianThreshold GuardianMentorMentorTricksterTricksterShapeshifterShapeshifter

ShadowShadowSidekicksSidekicksHenchmenHenchmen

ShadowShadow

Shadow often represents what the Hero fears in Shadow often represents what the Hero fears in him/herselfhim/herself

Quality of the Shadow is critical to success of the storyQuality of the Shadow is critical to success of the story

Rival in love storiesRival in love stories

The Shadow character is normally filled with a huge The Shadow character is normally filled with a huge amount of repressed energy and emotion, aspects of the amount of repressed energy and emotion, aspects of the protagonist that have festered from lack of expression. protagonist that have festered from lack of expression.

ArchetypesArchetypes

HeroHeroHeraldHeraldThreshold GuardianThreshold GuardianMentorMentorTricksterTricksterShapeshifterShapeshifterShadowShadow

SidekicksSidekicksHenchmenHenchmen

Sidekicks - AlliesSidekicks - Allies

Hero’s helpersHero’s helpers

Trusted servant Trusted servant

May have qualities of other ArchetypesMay have qualities of other Archetypes

– TricksterTrickster

– ShapeshifterShapeshifter

ArchetypesArchetypes

HeroHeroHeraldHeraldThreshold GuardianThreshold GuardianMentorMentorTricksterTricksterShapeshifterShapeshifterShadowShadowSidekicksSidekicks

HenchmenHenchmen

HenchmenHenchmen

The Shadow’s helpersThe Shadow’s helpers

May be quite memorable charactersMay be quite memorable characters

StepsStepsOrdinary WorldOrdinary WorldCall to AdventureCall to AdventureRefusal of the CallRefusal of the CallMeeting with the MentorMeeting with the MentorCrossing the First ThresholdCrossing the First ThresholdTest, Allies, and EnemiesTest, Allies, and Enemies

Approach to the Inmost Approach to the Inmost CaveCaveSupreme OrdealSupreme OrdealRewardRewardRoad BackRoad BackResurrectionResurrectionReturn with the ElixirReturn with the Elixir

Approach to the Inmost CaveApproach to the Inmost Cave

Hero becomes PROACTIVEHero becomes PROACTIVE

Hero gets his comrades togetherHero gets his comrades together

Hero makes plansHero makes plans

Crossing of another threshold to go Crossing of another threshold to go deeper into Magical Worlddeeper into Magical World

StepsSteps

Ordinary WorldOrdinary WorldCall to AdventureCall to AdventureRefusal of the CallRefusal of the CallMeeting with the MentorMeeting with the MentorCrossing the First ThresholdCrossing the First ThresholdTest, Allies, and EnemiesTest, Allies, and EnemiesApproaching the Inmost CaveApproaching the Inmost Cave

Supreme OrdealSupreme OrdealRewardRewardRoad BackRoad BackResurrectionResurrectionReturn with the ElixirReturn with the Elixir

Supreme OrdealSupreme Ordeal

Hero appears to dieHero appears to die

Hero witnesses death – often the Mentor dies Hero witnesses death – often the Mentor dies herehere

Hero causes deathHero causes death

Hero faces Shadow or Shadow’s top HenchmenHero faces Shadow or Shadow’s top Henchmen

Supreme OrdealSupreme Ordeal

Sometimes the Supreme Ordeal is the Sometimes the Supreme Ordeal is the finale. If so, the rest of the journey is as finale. If so, the rest of the journey is as follows:follows:

– RewardReward

– Return with the elixirReturn with the elixir

StepsSteps

Ordinary WorldOrdinary WorldCall to AdventureCall to AdventureRefusal of the CallRefusal of the CallMeeting with the MentorMeeting with the MentorCrossing the First ThresholdCrossing the First ThresholdTest, Allies, and EnemiesTest, Allies, and EnemiesApproaching the Inmost CaveApproaching the Inmost CaveSupreme OrdealSupreme Ordeal

RewardRewardRoad BackRoad BackResurrectionResurrectionReturn with the ElixirReturn with the Elixir

RewardReward

Hero gets the Elixir Hero gets the Elixir

Rescues the maidenRescues the maiden

One last respite before finaleOne last respite before finale

If Hero loses Supreme Ordeal they escapeIf Hero loses Supreme Ordeal they escape

StepsSteps

Ordinary WorldOrdinary WorldCall to AdventureCall to AdventureRefusal of the CallRefusal of the CallMeeting with the MentorMeeting with the MentorCrossing the First ThresholdCrossing the First ThresholdTest, Allies, and EnemiesTest, Allies, and EnemiesApproaching the Inmost CaveApproaching the Inmost CaveSupreme OrdealSupreme OrdealRewardReward

Road BackRoad BackResurrectionResurrectionReturn with the ElixirReturn with the Elixir

Road BackRoad Back

Shadow chases Hero to get Elixir backShadow chases Hero to get Elixir back

Hero chases Shadow to destroy him/herHero chases Shadow to destroy him/her

If Hero loses the Supreme Ordeal, she If Hero loses the Supreme Ordeal, she now rallies the troops and/or prepares to now rallies the troops and/or prepares to have one last battle with Shadowhave one last battle with Shadow

StepsSteps

Ordinary WorldOrdinary WorldCall to AdventureCall to AdventureRefusal of the CallRefusal of the CallMeeting with the MentorMeeting with the MentorCrossing the First ThresholdCrossing the First ThresholdTest, Allies, and EnemiesTest, Allies, and EnemiesApproaching the Inmost CaveApproaching the Inmost CaveSupreme OrdealSupreme OrdealRewardRewardRoad BackRoad Back

ResurrectionResurrectionReturn with the ElixirReturn with the Elixir

ResurrectionResurrection

Final showdown between Hero and Final showdown between Hero and ShadowShadow

Hero must face Shadow aloneHero must face Shadow alone

Death and rebirth of Hero – Hero must Death and rebirth of Hero – Hero must overcome character flaw in order to defeat overcome character flaw in order to defeat the Shadowthe Shadow

StepsSteps

Ordinary WorldOrdinary WorldCall to AdventureCall to AdventureRefusal of the CallRefusal of the CallMeeting with the MentorMeeting with the MentorCrossing the First ThresholdCrossing the First ThresholdTest, Allies, and EnemiesTest, Allies, and EnemiesApproaching the Inmost CaveApproaching the Inmost CaveSupreme OrdealSupreme OrdealRewardRewardRoad BackRoad BackResurrectionResurrection

Return with the ElixirReturn with the Elixir

Return with the ElixirReturn with the ElixirHero returns to Ordinary WorldHero returns to Ordinary World

Rightful King takes placeRightful King takes place

Balance is restored via return of the elixirBalance is restored via return of the elixir

Monster is slainMonster is slain

Princess is returnedPrincess is returned

Hero may be recognized by villagersHero may be recognized by villagers

Boy has become a manBoy has become a man

Girl has become a womanGirl has become a woman