Stages of a Hero’s Journey

Watch!

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hhk4N9A0oCA

Birth

• Unusual or special birth• Demi-god: Half god, half mortal • Typically: Father Immortal, mother human• Q: Which god fits the mold of a father who would

be tempted to hold hands with mortal women?• Zeus. Duh!• Don’t hold hands until you’re married

Destiny• Prophesy is revealed at birth

• Remember prophecy about Narcissus?

• Prophesy is unavoidable

• Even if life circumstances change (i.e. raised in poverty or in foster family)

• Remarkable accomplishment at a young age indicates and/or reinforces potential

The Quest

• Hero engages in an important task• Can be chosen or assigned, but is always

non-optional• May involve an inward or internal quest,

but usually refers to an epic external journey.

• Usually involves fantastical, magical, or mythological intervention and help

• In the form of help or meddling

The Journey• If the Quest is the destination of a

road trip, the Journey is comprised of all of the unexpected side stops along the way.

• Travels far from home• Epic deeds and encounters result

(monsters, etc.)• Comes face-to-face with death,

but doesn’t die- yet.• Usually journeys to the

Underworld

The Reward

• Hero is rewarded during or after the Journey

• Reward can be tangible or abstract

• Palace, position of authority, love, etc.

• Reward achieved from Quest or Journey or given from the gods

Romance

• Usually a woman who betrayed her family to help the hero. Eventually ends up as his wife.

Death• The hero encounters deaths along the way

that shape who he is, but his own death is unusual or remarkable.

• Followed by immortal fame and forgiveness of errors and flaws.