“heroes on a journey” discovering what harry potter, neo, luke skywalker, frodo baggins, and...
TRANSCRIPT
““Heroes on a Journey”Heroes on a Journey”Discovering what
Harry Potter, Neo,
Luke Skywalker,
Frodo Baggins,
and Perseus
share.
The Hero’s JourneyThe Hero’s Journey The Quote: “All stories consist of a few common
structural elements found universally in myths, fairy tales, dreams and movies".
The Premise: Characters frequently pass through 12 stages as they transform into heroes.
The Primary Source: The Writer’s Journey by Christopher Vogler
The Application/Extension: Heroes live around us and within us.
1. The Ordinary World1. The Ordinary World
The normal, ordinary, predictable world of the hero; everyday life.
Could be a place of security, calm, peace, or a place of suffering, boredom, anguish.
(Often the hero’s birth or ancestry are mysterious or noble.)
The Ordinary WorldThe Ordinary World
Perseus grows up on quiet, little island. Luke grows up on a quiet, little moisture farm. Harry lives in a closet on Privet Drive. Neo works in a mundane, dull office building. Frodo lives a life of ease in the Shire.
2. The Call to Adventure2. The Call to Adventure
Something happens to move the character out of his comfort zone.
A challenge, problem, temptation, earth-shattering revelation, or traumatic event.
The Call To AdventureThe Call To Adventure Perseus is challenged to kill
Medusa by Polydectes. Artoo reveals part of Leia’s
message to Luke; Ben urges him to join the rebellion.
Harry is invited to attend Hogwart’s School.
Neo is given a message to “follow the White Rabbit.”
Gandalf reveals the secrets of Bilbo’s ring to Frodo.
3. Refusal of the Call3. Refusal of the Call
The Reluctant Hero.“I can’t,’ “Leave me out of it,” “Not me,”
“Not now.”The character is reluctant, disbelieving,
fearful.
Refusal of the CallRefusal of the Call Perseus distresses over
where to go and how to get there.
Owen plays on Luke’s guilt to keep him on the farm.
Uncle Vernon prevents Harry from leaving.
Neo resists accepting the truth about reality and his destiny.
Frodo wishes someone else would deal with the Ring, offers it to Gandalf.
4. Meeting the Mentor4. Meeting the Mentor
Someone helps; a supportive relationship is established; counsel is given.
A helper, a guide, a wise old man, or even supernatural aid.
Meeting the MentorMeeting the Mentor Athena & Hermes aid Perseus. Merlin aids Arthur. Ben Kenobi aids Luke. Dumbledore aids Harry. Morpheus aids Neo. Gandalf aids Frodo
5. Crossing the First Threshold5. Crossing the First Threshold
The character commits; he steps into the adventure, the story begins; he leaves the ordinary world and enters the special world.
The hero usually fails and struggles, but inevitably proves himself, at least shows his promise.
Crossing the First ThresholdCrossing the First Threshold Perseus dons the sandals, helmet, sword and
shield and leaves Sephiros to find Medusa. Luke leaves his farm (recently destroyed)
and Tatooine. Harry boards the Hogwart’s Express. Neo chooses the red pill (not the blue one). Frodo leaves the Shire; volunteers to take
the Ring to Mordor.
6. Tests, Allies, and Enemies6. Tests, Allies, and Enemies
The character investigates the new world, learns, meets friends, encounters enemies, develops strength, courage, and other honorable traits through tests and trials.
Tests, Allies, and EnemiesTests, Allies, and Enemies
Perseus outsmarts the gray sisters. Luke encounters rascals in the Mos Eisley cantina and
trains with Ben aboard the Falcon. Harry meets friends and foes at Hogwart’s. Neo trains with Morpheus aboard the Nebuchanezzar. Frodo travels east, evading Ringwraiths, Orcs, and
other bogies and baddies.
7. Approach to the Innermost Cave7. Approach to the Innermost Cave
Danger approaches, caution is needed, tension builds: clarity blurs between friend and foe, duty and desire, good and evil.
Approach to the Innermost CaveApproach to the Innermost Cave Perseus lands on Medusa’s isle. Luke enters the Death Star. Harry enters the Forbidden Forest. Neo re-enters the Matrix. Frodo enters Shelob’s Lair.
8. The Supreme Ordeal8. The Supreme Ordeal
All hope is lost.A moment of loss, such as everything of
value or even life itself. A time of darkness and uncertainty.
The Supreme OrdealThe Supreme Ordeal Medusa awakens! Luke is trapped in the trash compactor. His scar burning, Harry collapses in
agony before Valdemort. Neo is betrayed by Cipher and “trapped”
in the Matrix. Frodo collapses having been betrayed by
Gollum and poisoned by Shelob.
9. Reward: Seizing the Sword9. Reward: Seizing the Sword
The character survives and is rewarded; problems are solved; insight is gained, realizations adopted, boons received; all seems right.
Reward: Seizing the SwordReward: Seizing the Sword Perseus slays Medusa. Luke rescues Leia, finds the secret plans, and
escapes from the Death Star. Harry solves the puzzles surrounding the
Sorceror’s Stone. Neo rescues Morpheus. Frodo destroys the Ring at Mt. Doom.
10. The Road Back10. The Road Back
Oh no! The character got comfortable too soon. Final - perhaps fatal - stumbling blocks and obstacles arise to challenge the character.
The Road BackThe Road Back The Kraken threatens
Andromeda’s life. Darth Vader kills
Ben Kenobi. Ron is disabled,
Hermione leaves… Harry confronts Voldemort alone.
Neo tries to escape from Agent Smith but is killed.
Frodo discovers the Shire is in ruins and ruled by Saruman.
11. Resurrection11. Resurrection
The second, ultimate, now-or-never, do-or-die confrontation; the character’s last chance to overcome the odds.
ResurrectionResurrection Perseus defeats the Kraken, saving
Andromeda. Luke destroys the Death Star. The magic of his scar protecting him,
Harry defeats Valdemort and recovers the Sorceror’s Stone.
Neo, after being reborn with a kiss from Trinity, defeats Agent Smith.
Frodo expels Saruman, liberating and restoring the Shire.
12. Return with the Elixir12. Return with the Elixir
Ahhh! Good triumphs over evil, love saves the day, the hero returns home in triumph (and/or is often reconciled with his father), and all live happily ever after.
Return with the ElixirReturn with the Elixir
Perseus gains a kingdom and a queen. Luke (and Han and Chewbacca) is given
awards and accolades. Harry’s “house” wins the House Cup and he
returns to Privet Drive wiser and stronger. Neo accepts and relishes his role as the
Chosen One. Frodo gains a legendary reputation; later he
sails west with the Elves.
Other “Classic” Hero StoriesOther “Classic” Hero Stories Tomb Raider The Star Wars Trilogy Bible stories (Moses) Greek myths (Hercules) The Patriot, Braveheart The Lion King And many more…
Want to know more?Want to know more?
Look into works by these philosophers-thinkers-writers:
Carl Jung, Joseph Campbell, Christopher Vogler.
Questions, comments, feedback?
Paul Reiff
Vernon Hills High School