THE HEROIC CYCLEDevelopment of Joseph Campbell

WHAT HEROES TEACH US

• Heroes go on quests which help readers to understand their own journey through life.• The hero is a social

icon that represents the values that are important to his or her culture and society.

THE JOURNEY OF THE HERO

• In The Hero with a Thousand Faces, Joseph Campbell outlines how numerous myths and stories from around the world follow a certain pattern. • Campbell breaks this pattern down into different stages that most heroic quests go through. • In addition, Campbell notes the archetypes often found in heroic cycles.

THE FIRST STAGE• CALL TO ADVENTURE: The hero is given an important message that he has a special calling and a destiny to fulfill. The hero may refuse the call, but he will go on it anyway.

EXAMPLE: Frodo is called to destroy the ring in The Lord of the Rings.

BEGINNING THE QUEST

• MEETING THE MENTOR: The mentor provides the hero with confidence, insight, advice, training, or magical gifts to overcome his fears and cross the threshold to adventure. The mentor is not a sidekick or an ally.EXAMPLE: Yoda is Luke Skywalker’s mentor

in Star Wars, training him in the force.

ON THE JOURNEY

• OBSTACLES: The hero goes through a set of obstacles or tests (physical, mental, or spiritual) that makes him stronger and prepared for the final showdown.

EXAMPLE: Simba must overcome his fears about being king before he can defeat his uncle, Scar.

FULFILLING THE QUEST

• FULFILLING THE QUEST: The hero reaches the climax, the ultimate payoff. It could be discovering treasure, rescuing a princess, or defeating the enemy.

EXAMPLE: Dorothy defeats the Wicked Witch of the West in The Wizard of Oz.

THE END OF THE CYCLE

• RETURN OF THE HERO: The hero has achieved his goal, so he returns to the ordinary world. • TRANSFORMATION: As a

result of his quest, the hero changes somehow. He may become a better leader, gain wisdom, etc.

EXAMPLE: Bilbo Baggins returns to the Shire after his quest in The Hobbit.