the hero’s journey the monomyth stage two: the initiation

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The Hero’s Journey The Monomyth Stage Two: The Initiation

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Page 1: The Hero’s Journey The Monomyth Stage Two: The Initiation

The Hero’s Journey The MonomythStage Two: The

Initiation

Page 2: The Hero’s Journey The Monomyth Stage Two: The Initiation

The Hero’s Journey

“A hero ventures forth from the world of the common day and into a region of supernatural wonder; fabulous forces are there encountered and a decisive victory is won; the hero comes back from the mysterious adventure with the power to bestow boons on his fellow man.”

Joseph CampbellThe Hero with a Thousand Faces

Page 3: The Hero’s Journey The Monomyth Stage Two: The Initiation

The Life of the Hero in Three Stages

Page 4: The Hero’s Journey The Monomyth Stage Two: The Initiation

Stage One: Separation

The first stage of the hero’s life; this chronicles the unusual circumstances of his birth. This is when he begins his journey after receiving a signal that great things are in store for him. If he is lucky, he will have a mentor and special gifts that will help him cross the threshold into the greater world beyond.

Page 5: The Hero’s Journey The Monomyth Stage Two: The Initiation

Stage Two: Initiation

The second stage of the hero’s journey crosses into the unknown. The voyage can be outward into the physical unknown or inward to a psychological unknown. This stage of the adventure puts the hero more and more at risk, both emotionally and physically.

Page 6: The Hero’s Journey The Monomyth Stage Two: The Initiation

A. The Road of Trials

• A series of tests, tasks or ordeals the hero must complete to begin the transformation

• Initial tests often the easiest of the trials

• Tests often occur in threes, may include a journey through the “sacred grove” or a battle with a dragon

• Hero sometimes fails one or more of the initial tests

Page 7: The Hero’s Journey The Monomyth Stage Two: The Initiation

B. The Meeting with the Goddess

• Hero meets the one who inspires him to be his best

• Often referred to as the “sacred marriage”, this meeting causes the hero to commit his life to his quest

• However, does not have to be a woman; it is an unconditional, spiritual love

Page 8: The Hero’s Journey The Monomyth Stage Two: The Initiation

C. The Temptress• This character tries to

seduce the hero away from his path or distract him from his destiny

• Temptations are most often physical or material temptations, a conflict between physical pleasure and spiritual ideals

• Does not have to be a woman

Page 9: The Hero’s Journey The Monomyth Stage Two: The Initiation

D. The Belly of the Whale

• The Belly of the Whale, or the Abyss, is the greatest challenge of the journey

• Hero must face his greatest fear alone and resolve it

• Can be a physical descent into the Underworld or a journey into the hero’s own soul

• Hero is given the clue to what he must do to save not only the world but also himself

Page 10: The Hero’s Journey The Monomyth Stage Two: The Initiation

E. Atonement• After conquering the Abyss,

there is a confrontation and initiation with a male figure, sometimes the hero’s father

• The confrontation results in the hero’s letting go of the last elements of childhood: youth, ignorance, worldliness, or selfishness

• He becomes “at one” with his new role

Page 11: The Hero’s Journey The Monomyth Stage Two: The Initiation

F. Apotheosis• Part of the transformation

of atonement is often a revelation, a sudden, dramatic change in the way the hero thinks or views life

• He has incorporated the changes of his journey and is “reborn” as a hero

• He is ready to dedicate his life to the greater good

Page 12: The Hero’s Journey The Monomyth Stage Two: The Initiation

G. Ultimate Boon

• Boon is the achievement of the goal of his journey

• Hero discovers his gift, usually a result of his new level of skill and awareness

• Hero is now ready to use his boon to contribute to society, save the kingdom, etc.

Page 13: The Hero’s Journey The Monomyth Stage Two: The Initiation

H. Unhealable Wound

• The hero may suffer a wound that will never heal. This may occur in his main fight, but could happen anywhere in the story/journey.

• The wound may be emotional or psychological.