Heros Journey in Harry Potter and the Sorcerers

Hero's Journey in. . . Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J. K. Rowling

Step 1: The Ordinary (Known) World (Pre-Journey) Harry thinks he's just a regular guy! Nothing ever changes.

Step 2: Call to adventure! • Harry’s world is thrown in imbalance by the arrival of a Hogwarts letter. • He is made aware of an injustice in his life.

Step 2. 5: Refusal of the Call

Step 3: Threshold • Jumping off point! • Often must pass by “guardians” of the threshold: things/people that protect us from unknown until we are ready. • Like parents… • Helper(s) appear

Step 4: Challenges & Temptations/Road of Trials • Harry must pass several trials to get to the room with the philosopher’s stone. • These trials can be physical, mental, or emotional.

Step 5: Abyss • Harry faces off with Voldemort. • Hero faces the greatest challenge of the journey, must overcome greatest fears, and must face them alone. • If hero fails or has a fatal character flaw…

Step 6: Transformation/Rebirth • Paradigm shift and acceptance of new reality • Some bad quality dies and hero is “reborn” with new strength. • Harry wakes up in the Hospital Wing having learned he has the courage he needs and has personal worth.

Step 6: Atonement/Reward • Transformation complete, the hero now must accept his new self. • Imbalance that set him on the journey is resolved—harmony restored. Until next time!!! • Hero receives a boon based on new skills or awareness (stronger or smarter, etc. )

The Return • Begin contributing to society with new skills. • How can I go back when I’m so different? • Few possible outcomes…

So what? Why study the Journey?