ARCHETYPE The Heros Journey The heros journey or

ARCHETYPE: The Hero’s Journey

The hero’s journey or quest: …IS AN ARCHETYPE: story pattern is found in all cultures, and in all periods of history. …IS A PATTERN FROM MYTH, FOLKLORE, AND STORY …WILL HELP YOU UNDERSTAND: movies, literature, plays …IS A PATTERN OF LIFE, GROWTH, AND EXPERIENCE FOR ALL OF US.

KNOWN versus UNKNOWN • THE KNOWN: This is any place we call “home”; our comfort zone; a place where we feel safe and is predictable. • THE UNKNOWN: The place of adventure; where you must rely mainly on yourself, and you have little support; potentially full of danger and unpredictable events.

THE STEPS Although we may talk about 8 steps of the quest, the journey is an individual process of growth and transformation. The steps may vary in order, depending on the text or experience.

SEPARATION The Call: the invitation to the journey; may take several forms, the initiate: …has something taken from them …senses there is something lacking in their life …becomes aware of an injustice …wants to save or restore honor

SEPARATION The Threshold: the “jumping off point” for the journey. • The interface between known and unknown • Meet the threshold guardian: small test—to see if we are ready for the journey. • May encounter a Helper

Mentors and Helpers Two additional archetypes, these people often help the hero on their journey/quest. Helpers: often called the “sidekick”; a friend who may give advice, but more often simply aids the hero. (they often are experiencing their own hero journey) Mentor: sagacious helper; more than a helper, they keep the initiate focused on the journey; they have already gone through some journey in the past, and hold special knowledge.

INITIATION and TRANSFORMATION • CHALLENGES: – A series of tests, tasks, or ordeals that the person must undergo to begin the transformation. – Temptation: often the hero experiences serious doubt, or is tempted ( by a temptress—another archetype) to leave their journey. – Challenges start easy, gradually become difficult – Usually target weakness of initiate

INITIATION and TRANSFORMATION The Abyss: The greatest challenge of the journey (symbols often are: a deep pit, chasm, dark tunnel or the ocean depths § must overcome your greatest fears and must do this alone. § must “slay the dragon” which is symbolic for overcoming a great fear § A symbolic “death” and “rebirth”

INITIATION and TRANSFORMATION The Transformation and Revelation § a process of revelation, which is a sudden insight or a dramatic change in the way one views life § follows the Abyss; when initiate becomes hero § old self “dies” new self “reborn”= fear dies, courage is born; ignorance dies, wisdom is born.

INITIATION and TRANSFORMATION Atonement: § Transformation leads to at-one-ment, being “at one” with new self and new life. § Imbalance or crisis that sent hero on journey has been fixed.

THE RETURN The hero returns to everyday life and contributes to society offering more than was previously possible. Gift: knowledge or wisdom of world; may become a mentor to others, a great king/queen, or spiritual advisor

THE WOUND Hero often suffers a physical or emotional wound or loss. Acts as a reminder of their mortality…even after they become a hot-shot hero.

TRICKSTER The trickster is a character that tricks or tempts the hero in order to encourage them to abandon or stray from his/her quest. Includes the woman as temptress Often is a being that can change shapes, going between human and animal at will.

UNCLEAR PATH Initiate never can clearly see the entire path they are to take; this is part of the challenge: they need to make decisions, and then wait and see if those work out…or not. Hero often sets out to accomplish one specific goal, then journey suddenly takes a turn they didn’t expect.