Last week we talked about the cast of The Hero's Journey. Today, let's look at the journey itself.
THE JOURNEY
The Ordinary World
Introduces the story question
Foreshadows special world
Meet the hero and the problems
Examples: The Shire, Privet Drive, Andy's room, Green Gables
Hero Meets with the Mentor
First one before the commitment
Gets story moving
Later there is training and giving of the object
Examples: Old Ben, trains with Obi, Mr. Miyagi (gives chores then shows how useful)
Call to adventure
Hero has to act
Herald arrives and announces change
Examples: Gandalf and the ring, Hogwart's letter
Refusal of call
Might be obstacles, fear, noble excuses
Threshold guardians ~ evil, well-meaning or neutral
Examples: Uncle Vernon stops letters, Frodo refusing
Repeat of call
Mentor may appear
Examples: Hagrid appears with letter
Crossing the first threshold
Life will never be the same
Leave the ordinary world
No going back
Threshold guardians: Person, Event or personal barrier block the hero's way,
Tests the hero
Good or bad
Examples: Harry rides Hogwart's express, Fluffy, Lava pit, Orcs, Cliffs of Insanity
Tests, Allies and enemies
Who can the hero trust?
Who is the enemy?
Sidekicks and Rivals
Examples: Draco tortures Harry, Luke meets Solo & Chewie,
Approach to inmost cave
Hero prepares for test
Illusions
More threshold guardians
May enter 2nd world
Special world with a twist
Examples: Magical world below Fluffy, escaping Sid and the house,
THE ORDEAL
Death & Resurrection
Hero's final exam
Hero fights shadow alone
Hero faces greatest fears
Hero shows what's been learned
Hero is changed fundamentally
Examples: Harry Potter, Luke in the trash compacter, E.T. on operating table,
Reward or Seizing the Sword
Hero captures or finds the elixir
Quest seemingly complete
Celebration (campfire scene)
Epiphany
Hero sees new things about self
They've grown and changed
Examples: Toys scare Sid, Darcy asking Elizabeth to marry him, Harry wins the Triwizard cup,
The Road Back
*Not in all stories
Hero heads back with elixir
Major setbacks
Common setback are chase scenes
Final showdown
Examples: Luke and Company are chased, Lizzy loves Darcy but thinks she's lost him, the moving truck left without Woody and Buzz
Return with Elixir
Rewards and punishment
Circular vs. open ends
Hero delivers elixir (and may leave)
Wrap up loose ends
Types of elixirs: objects, love, experience
Examples: Frodo doesn't return to Shire, Leia gives medals out, Lizzy marries Darcy
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