Shrek’s Journey

An Archetypal Story Pattern

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Hero’s Journey

Some crisis occurs. Hero becomes an outcast.

Separates from home

How does Shrek leave home?

The “Night See Journey” Begins

Dark and dangerous Filled with new experiences Filled with challenges

What dangers does Shrek face?

The Journey Continues

Hero is given a talisman Magical object Powerful Wanted by many others Can be used for good and evil

What is Shrek’s talisman?

Does a talisman exist in this story? 

Could Fiona be the talisman?

The Journey Continues

Hero will meet one or more characters who challenge him/her.

Help the character become more heroic.

Who does Shrek meet?

Donkey Fiona Lord Farquaad Dragon

What does he learn from each one?

Hero’s Sidekick

Often accompanied by an animal Uses animal’s sensitivity to warn or guide hero Shows hero valuable information Helps hero make important decisions

Often introduced as character(s) who provide hero with an early challenge or scare Help the hero see dangers Provide the hero with solutions

What is Donkey’s role?

The Hero Has A Guide

Appears early in the story Gives important information to hero Leads hero away from traps

Who is Shrek’s Guide?

Fiona? Donkey? What important information does Fiona or

Donkey give Shrek? How does Fiona or Donkey help Shrek

escape danger?

Hero Faces Test of Worthiness

Hero meets someone powerful. Hero needs help from this person. Powerful person tests the hero by asking

him/her to complete a task

Shrek’s Test

Who was Shrek’s powerful person? What task did this person ask Shrek to

complete? How would this task prove Shrek’s

worthiness?

Lord Farquaad

After the Task

Hero completes task; thus, All powerful person must now help hero. All powerful person usually helps hero

understand the lessons learned on the journey.

After the Task

Hero Returns Home

Changed and improved because of the journey.

There’s no place like home.

Influence on Modern Literature

Get into pairs Brainstorm a list of any other stories which

follow this same archetypal pattern Don’t just list the other Shrek movies

Pairs will share list with class.