THE HERO’S JOURNEY

What defines a hero?

The Call to Adventure

Messenger(s) that either tell the hero of his journey or cause the situation

Deed that hero chooses to perform (Quest) Adventure hero is thrown into or tricked into

Guidance

Advisor (with more wisdom than the hero) Talisman (symbolic item that gives power)

Companions

Emotional / Primitive friends (simple but loyal)

Followers

Crossing the Threshold

Known world the hero has left Unknown world the hero is entering

Initiation (Challenges)

Physical Challenge(s) Spiritual or Emotional Challenge(s) Brother Battle Abduction Sea Journey

The Belly of the Whale

Greatest fear or evil Inner darkness or personal failing or self

doubt

Meeting with the “Goddess”

Supernatural female (can be male, but is not the advisor)

Offering of wisdom Offering of powerful or supernatural aid

Sacred “Marriage”

Connection to another character Motivation to continue

Ritual Death or Dismemberment

Life given up: either a real life or an important part of the hero’s life

Atonement with Father

Hero becomes “at one” with new responsibility or becomes a father figure