THE HEROS JOURNEY An Archetypal Story Archetype A

THE HERO’S JOURNEY An Archetypal Story

Archetype A pattern, such as a type of character or type of story, that is repeated in literature.

The hero’s journey, some say, may be one of the oldest Archetypes on the planet!

• Identified Joseph Campbell and labeled the hero’s journey and it’s components. • Considered one of the world’s foremost authorities on mythology • Wrote, The Hero with a Thousand Faces- states that all storytelling follows ancient patterns of myths and use elements of the hero’s journey • Monomyth- one myth • George Lucas consulted with him for the Star Wars trilogy • Hero’s journey is a metaphor for life and its function is to entertain, instruct, and inspire

I The Departure A. The Call to Adventure B. Refusal of the Call C. The Adventure Begins The first glimpse of a change, the hero realizes something must be done, the “roots” of quest. The hero refuses the “Call”. Leaving behind the world Something keeps him/her the hero knows for an from moving forward. unknown realm of unforeseen dangers.

I The Departure A. The Call to Adventure B. Refusal of the Call C. The Adventure Begins The first glimpse of a change, the hero realizes something must be done, the “roots” of quest. The hero refuses the “Call”. Leaving behind the world Something keeps him/her the hero knows for an from moving forward. unknown realm of unforeseen dangers.

II Initiation A. The Road of Trials B. Experience with The Ultimate Boon Unconditional Love *other known steps The hero is “tested”. He/she often fails many of the tests has he/she undergoes their “transformation”/growth. The hero faces challenges. The hero experiences support which allows him/her to continue. • Meeting with the Goddess • Temptation • Atonement with the Father The goal is reached! The hero has also been changed by the experience.

II Initiation A. The Road of Trials B. Experience with The Ultimate Unconditional Love Boon *other known steps The hero is “tested”. He/she often fails many of the tests has he/she undergoes their “transformation”/growth. The hero faces challenges. The hero experiences support which allows him/her to continue. • Meeting with the Goddess • Temptation • Atonement with the Father The goal is reached! The hero has also been changed by the experience.

III Return A. Refusal of Return B. Magic flight C. Rescue from Without D. The Crossing/ Return to the Threshold The hero refuses to return. He/she is unsure of their “place” and must make a choice. There is another adventure on the hero’s return trip. There is still danger. The hero needs aide/ guidance. He/she may be injured or unsure as to the next step. The hero must decide what to do with the wisdom they have gained on their quest.

III Return A. Refusal of Return B. Magic flight C. Rescue from Without D. The Crossing/ Return to the Threshold The hero refuses to return. He/she is unsure of their “place” and must make a choice. There is another adventure on the hero’s return trip. There is still danger. The hero needs aide/ guidance. He/she may be injured or unsure as to the next step. The hero must decide what to do with the wisdom they have gained on their quest.

Common Elements � � � � Young hero yearns for adventure (innocence vs. wisdom) Mentor/oracle- trains the hero in some way, offers guidance Two worlds (mundane and fantastic) Prophecy – a legend that must be fulfilled (not a requirement) Failed Hero- someone doesn’t (or almost doesn’t) make it Wearing the “enemy’s skin”- disguise “Shape-shifter”- trickster, the person with unknown loyalties (two-faced)

Discussion � � � How is the Hero’s Journey a metaphor for life? How does an ordinary hero, like ourselves, benefit from the hero’s journey? How does this change your definition a hero?