The Hero’s Journey

The Path to Discovery

Hero’s JourneyJoseph Campbell: A Hero with a Thousand FacesBasic pattern found in myths/narratives throughout the worldUniversal pattern

Important myths which have survived for thousands of years all share the same basic structure/stages

A.K.A “Monomyths”Include ‘archetypes’

generic, idealized model of a person, object, or concept from which similar instances are derived, copied, patterned. A bit like a stereotype, but more complex.

Stages 1 & 2: Separation & Call

Separation: Hero dragged from the comforts of home to experience growth and change.

The Call: realization of imbalance or injustice in the hero’s life that invites him into the adventure, the unknown.

Stage 3: Threshold

the jumping off point for the adventure; point between known and unknown.

Threshold Guardian(s): obstacles that interfere with or delay the start of the journey.

can be literal (physical barriers, people) or figurative (fears/doubts). often needed, as the hero is not ready to begin the journey due to youth

Stage 4: Challenges/Temptations

obstacles/difficult experiences that test the hero. The hero emerges stronger from each challenge.HELPERS: Help & support hero along the way; are not present during the final battle

Challenges Cont:

MENTOR: a guide that keeps the hero focused on her goal. Helps hero obtain the skills to overcome challenges. Must die so that hero can face biggest challenge alone.

TalismanJust when things are at their worst, help in the form of a supernatural giftproduces magical effects that ‘saves’ the hero.Can be a person or a thing.

Stage 5: The Abyss

greatest challenge of the journey where one must "slay the dragon”“Belly of the Whale”Journey to Underworld

Stage 6: Revelation/Transformation

a sudden change in the way one thinks or views lifeTransformation often occurs through death and rebirth. Symbolic of old self dying and new self being reborn.

Stage 7: The Return/Sharing the Gift

final stage where the hero contributes to society. shares the gift of experience, knowledge, and wisdom—gained through the journey—with the broader community.