the hero’s journey the monomyth stage two: the initiation
TRANSCRIPT
The Hero’s Journey The MonomythStage 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
The Life of the Hero in Three Stages
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.
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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.