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Hero's Journey

Page history last edited by Russell 14 years, 3 months ago

 

The Hero’s Journey

According to “The Guru” Joseph Campbell

 

Campbell argues we all have a common consciousness, a common mental history that links us. This is shown in the similarity of myths and legends around the world: creation stories, flood stories, stories of heroes, etc.

 

The hero’s journey is a mythological adventure, but also a journey of self-discovery that seems to pass through most, if not all cultures of the world.

 

Step 1 – Call to Adventure

 

Marked by an unusual event – the sudden invitation to step outside the ordinary context of one’s life.

 

Could be sudden change physically: blindness or going mute

Could be the appearance of someone or something: magical creature appears in the woods (Princess Mononoke)

 

Unexpected job transfer, divorce/breakup, unbelievable opportunity

 

Step 2 – Refusal/Acceptance

 

Often the call is met w/ a fearful reaction, and an initial refusal b/c of the awareness of the dangers ahead. Period of deliberation precedes acceptance.

 

Step 3 – Crossing the Threshhold of Ogres

 

When the call is accepted, there is an initial test of stepping through a type of doorway, whether real or metaphorical, into the “other” world of the journey. The passage is usually guarded by creatures, and the hero must use quickness, strength, smarts to pass. Often magical objects are used (light saber, magic ring, enchanted sword, crystal ball).

 

Heroes don’t always make it on the first try – if they don’t, they’re simply not ready to enter the “other.” Just we decide whether to jump into a new situation, which is the unknown.

 

NOTICE: Anyone can have a hero journey!

 

Step 4 – Meeting the Allies

 

Having crossed the threshold, the hero finds him/herself in the “underworld” – into darkness. The darkness holds dangers and the possibility of death or transformation.

 

It is here the hero(ine) encounters allies, important helpers who appear as humans, animals, or spirit/nature forms. The ALLY helps prepare one for the trials and tests ahead. (Jedi training for Luke Skywalker, “real life” training in “Training Day”)

 

Step 5 – Road of Trials

 

Armed w/ knowledge and skill from the allies, the developing hero must now undergo various tests or trials. These are dangers meant to strengthen the Heroic qualities of the adventurer.

 

Step 6 – The Magic Flight

 

Hero is ready to return to the former world, but others have different ideas and attempt to hold them back. This often results in comic chases where magical objects are dropped along the way, causing obstructions to spring up, slowing the pursuers.

 

Step 7 – The Triumphant Return

 

At the end of the Flight, the Hero bursts safely through the threshold, back into the world from which he/she came. Awaiting is a celebration, for the hero brings a treasure of some sort, like knowledge or material riches, that benefit all.

 

At times, the Hero appears transformed from the adventure.

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