The Hero

1
The Heros Journey

• The Path to Discovery

2
Heros Journey

• Joseph Campbell A Hero with a Thousand Faces
• Basic pattern found in myths/narratives
  throughout the world
• Universal 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.

3
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 heros life that invites him into the
  adventure, the unknown.

4
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

5
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

6
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.

7
Talisman

• Just when things are at their worst, help in the
  form of a supernatural gift
• produces magical effects that saves the hero.
• Can be a person or a thing.

8
Stage 5 The Abyss

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

9
Stage 6 Revelation/Transformation

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

10
Stage 7 The Return/Sharing the Gift

• final stage where the hero contributes to
  society.
• shares the gift of experience, knowledge, and
  wisdomgained through the journeywith the
  broader community.