The Hero’s Journey – Robert Holmes Page 1 of 7

Archetypes and the Hero's Journey BY ROBERT HOLMES

Psychologist Carl Jung believed that behind the scene of human life there lay archetypes: "constantly

repeating characters which occur in the dreams of all people and the myths of all cultures". Jung

suspected that these archetypes are a reflection of the universal human mind - that which we all

share in common. He went so far as to posit a "collective unconscious" that dug up repeating cycles

of story.

Author, mythologist and lecturer Joseph Campbell wrote a seminal work on the Journey of a Hero (1).

It was his opinion that there lay behind almost every story, one standard story, or legend that

carried all the basics of a story, and that story typified each of our lives. All stories utilise the story

ark: the rise and fall of the story. Stories have 3 main parts: the beginning – the departure, the

middle – the adventure and the end the return. Together Campbell called this the Hero’s Journey.

As a coach I am fascinated by the concept of an archetypal story, and read Campbell’s work

captivated by the stunning parallel with life seasons, turning points, critical decision points and the

narrative behind it all. In the diagram below, I outline the twelve stages of the journey,(1) and on the

inside of the circle detail the coaching steps each demands.

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Let's look at these in a little more detail (2), adding in great coaching questions for each section. I am

indebted to Alvin Soon and his 2006 coaching blog for the insight for some of these questions.(3)

THE BEGINNING: Departure

1. Normal life. “There must be more than this!” the ordinary (or extraordinary) circumstances of

starting life. There may be miracles surrounding the parents, or a blessing, curse or signs. We have

limited awareness of the issues at stake, or our role in it.

Coaching questions: Are you ready? What is the “more” for you? You

have a destiny, a calling... can you hear it? Are you where you want to be?

2. The call. “What treasure do you seek?” Adventure comes knocking: this is the call to the unknown.

A messenger arrives, a portent calls, there is reluctance or suspicion. We experience increased

awareness of the need for change.

Coaching questions: What is the treasure you are after? What do you

value? What is your life’s vision? Is that worthy of you? What goals do you

have? How recently have you reviewed them?

3. Resistance. “The big push forward”. We falter, entertain fear and refuse the call. The adventure

turns to its negative. We go the other way. Boredom, hard work or circumstance wall the hero in.

The hero plays the victim and must find a way of escape.

Coaching questions: You are experiencing pain in your ordinary world,

will it push you forward? There is the pleasure of an adventure out there

for you, will you embrace it? What motivates you to move out of your

“story” into your “adventure”?

4. Overcoming. “Facing your fears.” The hero meets with some supernatural aid, assistance or

miracle. The hero is encouraged by a guru, wizard or mentor. The hero will need to choose a path,

talisman or artefact which will help them along the way.

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Coaching questions: You will need to upload some confrontation skills for

what’s coming next. What movie, story, poem, artwork, concert or person

has recently touched you? Whose message has warmed your heart, whose

example has inspired you?

The boundary condition

We stand now at the edge of adventure, and on this side of it there are guardians. The boundary is

usually guarded by people who test the journeyman to see if they are serious about entering in.

They are sometimes loved ones or friends, a spouse or past mentor.

After confronting the guardians, we find new companions. It is here the hero will meet with a friend,

journeyman, assistant, friend or select a group of travelling companions who will assist them on the

quest.

Coaching questions: Who in your life right now resists your calling and

destiny?

THE MIDDLE – adventure

5. Commitment. “Everything is made new.” The hero crosses the threshold and joins the journey

proper. We must pass a trial, or cross the limits of the known into the unknown. This may be a "belly

of the whale" experience, of final separation from one's present.

Coaching questions: What new language, posture, headspace, friendship

group do you need to adopt in order to survive and thrive?

6. New conditions. “Going to the next level.” The hero travels through their world of adventure and

undergoes a series of tests and trials. On the spot examinations raise various character issues that

must be addressed. Each success further proves the call.

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Coaching questions: Can you see any pattern of events in your life? Things

said twice or three times, repeated dreams, echoes calling again and again.

These are issues undealt with, exams unpassed. What do you need to

change?

7. Deep change. “Going into the cave.” The hero enters the inner most cave, the darkest place. We

may encounter an old love that has the power to change, affirm, and uplift us. We find knowledge

and wisdom that help complete the transition. We may have to rescue someone.

Coaching questions: Let’s review dysfunctional behaviours, limiting

beliefs or self-sabotage. These things will really get in the way during this

stage.

8. Death. “Facing old temptations.” The hero faces temptations, the path leads away from the quest

(by lust, or distraction). There is a great darkness – embracing a death to self, and experience a

rebirth or renewal to the cause by suffering through ordeal. The hero encounters a force that holds

ultimate power, usually a father figure who brings them through. This is sometimes an abyss, an

awful and dark fall. It is a supreme ordeal.

Coaching question: What do you fear the most in life? If you do not deal

with it, that fear will come upon you, because it must be faced. Is it your

past? Failure or success? Whom do you need to confront?

Apotheosis

At this point in the story the hero takes a break, rests, pauses or moves to a more divine state of

knowledge. Perhaps a wedding, a reward, a holiday. On this down time the hero has an “ah ha”

moment. We find critical resources, a gem, and a sword to do battle.

Coaching question: Have you done a strengths analysis recently? Have

you looked over your goals book and determined which ones have been

accomplished?

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Facing the dragon, getting the treasure

The ultimate reward is within grasp. The weapon, and strengths can be used against our enemy. This

is the critical moment, the final battle with a monster, and the grasping of the reward or treasure.

Coaching questions: Who or what is your "evil one"? What monster is

there to slay, what dragon or beast must be overcome in your life?

Coaching questions: When was the last time you claimed your reward?

When did you last reward yourself for change made, and victory

accomplished?

9. New life. “Settling old scores.” The victory often comes with a backlash, a counterpoint such as

not wishing to return to the normal world, a wrestle to stay or an interruption just after victory.

There is often an atonement required here, a payment made to the past.

The hero may settle a quarrel with a companion, a conflict with his past or nemesis. He may be

reconciled to a woman. There is often a love scene, or marriage at this point. There are always

consequences to the new life.

Coaching questions: What unresolved issues arise out of obtaining your

goals? Now that you have the treasure, and nothing left to prove… who do

you need to forgive?

The boundary condition

We stand now at the end of the adventure, and on this side of it there are monsters: left over from

the evil past. The boundary is usually guarded by people who come from the other side, but may

turn into allies.

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After confronting the monsters, we find new mentors who are worthy of our new state. It is here the

hero will meet with the next grade of assistance, who oddly enough has the capacity to bring us

home as well.

Coaching questions: Who in your life right now resists your calling and

destiny?

THE END – The return

10. Re-dedication. “I am not the same.” The road back home involves the flight (from the scene of

victory), often from a new problem that arises, which can be just as adventurous. We need to

develop and practise new habits that strengthen our new path.

Coaching questions: Since you are no longer the person you used to be...

what new rituals must you embrace, to maintain your new state?

11. Final push. “Facing an external threat.” There are usually some last minute dangers to be faced.

The hero may be pulled out of their adventure by a force external to themselves. The trick is to

retain the wisdom gained in the adventure, and become normal again.

Coaching questions: What changes back home now that you’re coming

there? What internal keys need to unlock external doors?

12. Mastery. “Mastering two worlds.” The hero is now master of two worlds: the normal world and

the supernormal (paranormal or supernatural) world. They are also the master of the inner and the

outer world. This is the balance between spiritual and natural. You have freedom to live. No longer

afraid of the unknown.

Coaching questions: To whom will you impart your new found knowledge

and experience? Who will you mentor on their journey? Who can you

coach? What is your next adventure? Where is the next mountain?

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REFERENCES

1) Jones, Adair. "Joseph Campbell's Monomyth." Fundamentals, April 13, 2011.

2) Campbell, Joseph. "The Hero with a Thousand Faces." (1949) Summary Chapter IV.

3) Soon, Alvin. "The Hero's Journey," a life coaches blog (2006).

AUTHOR: ROBERT HOLMES

Robert Holmes is an expert in the science of human behaviour and performance enhancement with a passion for neurology, leadership and unlocking potential. He is without peer in his capacity to bring engaging, powerful and transformative insight into human behaviour and breakthrough to peak performance in a manner that provokes lasting change.

Robert is a professionally certified coach (PCC) with over 20 years of business experience including executive coaching, business coaching and consulting; business facilitation and management mentoring; and board consultation. He is a certified Action Learning Coach (WIAL), a Member of the Australian Institute of Management Consultants, a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and an expert in using the Micro Expression and Subtle Expression tool (FACE).