Hero Archetype

1
Hero Archetype
Joseph Campbells
2
The Ordinary World

• The hero often begins life in the ordinary world.
• Generally, there is something unusual about
  his/her childhood.
• Heroes begin as ordinary people (no super powers
  . . . Etc).
• Examples
• Odysseus is the ruler of Ithaca.
• Batman is an orphan.

3
The Call to Adventure

• The Hero is called to adventure, usually by a
  messenger or a traumatic event.
• A lot of times, the hero does not want to leave
  in the beginning.
• Examples
• Odysseus pretends to be crazy when the messenger
  comes to call him to the Trojan War.
• Batmans parents are murdered, which sends him on
  his adventure as Batman.

4
Supernatural Aid

• The hero usually has an older, wiser guide to
  help him on his journey.
• Example
• Odysseus is aided by the goddess Athena.
• Batman is aided by his butler.

5
Crossing the Threshold

• The hero crosses into a new world, often called
  The Belly of the Whale.
• This is where the hero experiences tests,
  challenges, and enemies.
• Examples
• Odysseus faces Poseidon, Polyphemus (the
  Cyclops), and various other monsters.
• Batman faces the Joker, the Riddler, and various
  other villains.

6
Crossing the Threshold (con.)

• During this times, the hero will have helpers.
• Examples
• Odysseus is helped by his men and various gods
  and goddess.
• Batman has Robin and the Commissioner.

7
Crossing the Threshold (con.)

• After facing his ordeal, or ultimate challenge,
  the hero will receive his reward (ultimate boon)
  which he will use to restore or help the world
  when he returns.
• The reward, or ultimate boon, can be external or
  internal (usually both).
• Example
• Odysseus gains the knowledge that he can go home.
• Batman gains the safety of his city.

8
The Return

• After facing his ordeal and receiving his reward
  the hero begins his journey home.
• Although the hero has passed his ordeal, he still
  faces challenges as he returns to the real
  world.
• Example
• After his return, Odysseus must still deal with
  Penelopes suitors.
• After making the city safer, Batman still has to
  deal with critics who say that hes a vigilante,
  that he does more harm than good, or that he is
  too dangerous.

9
The Return (con.)

• The hero experiences a resurrection and is
  transformed by his experiences and the knowledge
  that he gained on his journey.
• He uses the reward, or ultimate boon, he received
  to restore the world.
• Example
• Odysseus is able to restore peace to Ithaca.
• Batman transforms into a hero or symbol of safety
  and bravery for Gotham.