the hero’s journey

THE HERO’S JOURNEYHarry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone

STAGE ONE: THE DEPARTURE

1. THE CALL TO ADVENTURE

Harry has been taken to a secluded lighthouse by his aunt and uncle.

On is 11th birthday he is asked to leave his world behind and enter the magical world.

He seems quite happy and surprised by the call.

2. REFUSAL OF THE CALL

Harry appears excited, curious, anxious, even nervous about the call.

He appears ready, though he is very young.

3. SUPERNATURAL AID/ADVICE FROM A MENTOR

Harry has a number of special friends and helpers. The most prominent amongst these are Dumbledore, Hagrid, Ron and Hermione.

Has talisman is his wand.Hagrid helps Harry to prepare for his

journey and he appears throughout the story to assist.

4. THE CROSSING OF THE THRESHOLD

Harry must leave behind the normal/muggle world to enter the wizarding world.

The Leaky Cauldron and Platform 9¾ both guard the threshold.

He wants to leave his aunt and uncle and to find out more about his parents.

Harry crosses The Leaky Cauldron threshold with Hagrid and the barrier to Platform 9¾ with the Weasley’s.

5. THE BELLY OF THE WHALE

Harry appears ready to transform and willingly enters with the help of the Weasley family.

How do you think he felt once he crossed over?

STAGE TWO: THE INITIATION

1. TESTS, ALLIES AND ENEMIES

Harry fears Voldemort. This fear is enhanced through the stories he hears.

There are several obstacles to moving forward such as ‘The Sorting’, performing magic and making friends.

Harry uses modesty, courage and bravery to make it through these trials.

He receives assistance from Ron, Hermione, Dumbledore, Hagrid and even Snape.

2. THE TEMPTATION

Temptations Harry faces include joining Slytherin House, flying and pursuing the Mirror of Erised.

3. THE ULTIMATE

Harry’s goals in the film change. What are some of his goals?

He learns much more than he thought he would.

His rewards at the end of the journey are defeating Voldemort, saving the Philosopher’s Stone and winning the house cup.

4. REST AND FULFILMENT

Heaven for Harry would be seeing his parents again.

This would mean having a family and a home.

He does not bask in the glow of what he has achieved. Why is this the case?

STAGE THREE: THE RETURN

1. REFUSAL OF THE RETURN

Harry does not refuse to return, though he is unhappy about it.

He does not want to return to the Dursley’s because he feels at home at Hogwarts

2. THE MAGIC FLIGHT

Harry returns to the muggle world on the Hogwarts express.

3. THE CROSSING OF THE RETURN THRESHOLD

Seeing the Dursley’s marks his return to normal life.

He cannot share his experiences with them as they despise magic.

The Dursley’s do not receive him well when he returns.