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The Soul's path to Transformation
The Hero's Journey is a universal story pattern that has been used in literature, mythology, and storytelling for thousands of years.
Joseph Campbell, a renowned mythologist, introduced this concept in his book "The Hero with a Thousand Faces," which has become a classic in the study of storytelling.
The Hero's Journey is a spiritual roadmap that outlines the journey of the hero from his ordinary life to his extraordinary destiny.
In this article, we will explore the 12 stages of the Hero's Journey and how it can be used as a blueprint for spiritual evolution.
What is the Hero's journey?
The Hero's Journey is a narrative structure that describes the path of the hero in a story.
It is a 12-stage process that the hero goes through, from his ordinary world to the ultimate boon, and then back to his ordinary world with special knowledge and power.
The Hero's Journey is a spiritual roadmap that describes the transformation of the hero, both internally and externally. The Hero's Journey can be used to create a compelling and engaging story that resonates with the audience.
Join us on this epic journey
Stasis: The Ordinary World
The first stage of the Hero's Journey is Stasis. In this stage, the hero is in his ordinary world, where everything is familiar and predictable.
The hero is comfortable in his environment, but he is also limited by it. The hero may feel bored, unfulfilled, or stuck in his current situation.
The Stasis stage is essential because it sets the stage for the hero's journey. It shows the audience what the hero's life is like in the familiar world before he embarks on his adventure.
The Call to adventure
The next stage of the Hero's Journey is the Call to Adventure. In this stage, the hero receives a call to leave his ordinary world and embark on a journey.
The call to adventure can come in many forms, such as a dream, a vision, a message, or an event.
The call to adventure disrupts the hero's ordinary world and challenges him to step out of his comfort zone. This is the begin of a compelling story structure and where our life journey begins.
Refusal of the call
The third stage is the Refusal of the Call.
In this stage, the hero hesitates to accept the call to adventure. The hero may be afraid of the unknown, lacking the self confidence or he may feel that he is not ready for the journey.
The Refusal of the Call is a crucial stage because it shows the hero's reluctance to change and highlights the stakes of the journey.
Meeting the mentor
The fourth stage of the Hero's Journey is Meeting the Mentor. In this stage, the hero encounters a mentor who guides him and provides him with the tools he needs to embark on his journey.
The mentor figure can be when a passing phenomenon catches the eye of the Hero. Whether it be a wise old man, a wise woman, an animal, or a supernatural being, the mentor helps the hero overcome his fears, doubts, and limitations and prepares him for the challenges ahead.
This becomes the catalyst for the hero to venture out of the known world and embark on this mysterious adventure into the unknown.
Crossing the threshold: The Hero Ventures
The fifth stage of the Hero's Journey is Crossing the Threshold. In this stage, the hero leaves his ordinary world and enters the unknown.
By crossing the first threshold and entering into a new world, he will face challenges and tests that will eventually shape him into a hero.
The Crossing the Threshold stage is a pivotal moment in the Hero's Journey because it marks the beginning of the hero's transformation.
Whether it be character development in a story or you taking a leap of faith in your own hero's journey, this is an important moment where the hero crosses into new possibilities.
Tests, Allies and Enemies
This is when the hero meets a series of tests and encounters allies and enemies.
The tests are challenges that the hero must overcome to prove his worth and gain the skills and knowledge he needs to complete his journey.
The allies are characters who help along the way, while the enemies are characters who oppose the hero and try to stop him from achieving his goal. These can be physical or metaphorical beings representing doubt, fear and unworthiness.
Approach to the inmost cave
The seventh stage of the Hero's Journey is the Approach to the Inmost Cave.
In this stage, the hero approaches the central challenge of his journey. The Inmost Cave can be a physical cave or a metaphor for the place where the hero will face his greatest fear and confront his shadow self.
The hero must be prepared to face the unknown and embrace his destiny.
The Ordeal in the Abyss; Facing the Shadow Self
The eighth stage of the Journey is the Ordeal in the Abyss; Facing the Shadow Self. In this stage, the hero confronts his greatest fear and faces his shadow self.
The shadow self represents the hero's darkest desires, fears, and weaknesses. The hero must overcome his shadow self to complete his journey and emerge transformed.
This is a major turning point as the Hero learns the ultimate truth about himself.
Apotheosis: Rebirth
The next stage is Apotheosis.
In this stage, the hero experiences a moment of transcendence and becomes one with the universe.
The hero transcends his limitations and gains a new perspective on life. The Apotheosis stage is a moment of clarity and enlightenment that prepares the hero for the reward.
The Ultimate Reward
The next stage of the Journey is the Ultimate Reward.
In this stage, the hero achieves his ultimate goal and gains the reward. The reward can be a physical treasure, a magical object, or a state of being.
The hero has achieved his destiny and has become the hero he was meant to be.
Refusal of the return
The eleventh stage is the Refusal of the Return. In this stage, the hero is reluctant to return to his ordinary world.
The hero may be afraid that he will lose his power or that he will not be able to fit back into his old life.
The Refusal of the Return is a crucial stage because it shows the hero's reluctance to let go of his transformation and return to his old life.
The Road Back Home
The twelfth stage of the Journey is the Road Back Home. In this stage, the hero enters back to his ordinary world with brand new eyes.
The hero must integrate his newfound knowledge and power into his old life. The hero must also face any unresolved conflicts or challenges that he left behind.
The Road Back Home is the return threshold where one must embody the truth they have learnt.
Master of Two Worlds
The next stage is becoming the Master of Two Worlds. In this stage, the hero has integrated his new knowledge and power into his old life.
The hero has become a master of two worlds, the ordinary & mundane world, and the extraordinary world.
The hero has achieved balance and has learned to navigate both worlds.
The Return with the Elixir (Special Knowledge)
The fourteenth stage is the Return with the elixir or Special Knowledge.
In this stage, the hero returns and shares his knowledge and wisdom with others. The hero has become a mentor and a guide to others who are on their own journey.
The journey has come full circle, and he has become a part of the universal story. The return with the elixir is the triumphant moment in the story.
He/she becomes the supernatural aid to others and embodying the journey of a true hero who has gone inwards, faced his shadow self and returned to the world with new found life.
Conclusion: The Greatest Story Ever Told
The Hero's Journey is a spiritual roadmap that outlines the journey of the hero from his ordinary world to his extraordinary destiny.
This is a powerful tool that can be used to create compelling and engaging stories and can inspire both the storyteller and the audience.
It is a universal story pattern that has been used in literature, mythology, and storytelling for thousands of years. Joseph Campbell's "The Hero with a Thousand Faces" has become a classic in the study of storytelling.
I hope you enjoyed this and wish you all the best on your own journey, Hero.
Star Wars: The Perfect Hero's Journey structure
The Hero's Journey is used extensively in the original "Star Wars" trilogy created by George Lucas. The story follows the journey of Luke Skywalker, a young farm boy who becomes a hero and saves the galaxy from the evil Empire.
The first stage of the Journey is the Call to Adventure, which occurs when Luke receives a message from Princess Leia asking for help. Luke initially refuses, but ultimately accepts the call and sets off on his journey.
The next stage is Meeting the Mentor, which occurs when Luke meets Obi-Wan Kenobi, a wise and experienced Jedi who becomes his teacher and guide. Obi is the embodiment of supernatural wonder while the hero prepares to leave mundane life and enter the unfamiliar world of possibility.
The third stage is Crossing the Threshold, which occurs when Luke leaves his home planet and sets off on his quest to rescue Princess Leia and defeat the Empire.
Next, Luke faces a series of Tests and Allies and Enemies, as he battles stormtroopers, pilots X-wing fighters, and learns to use the Force. Along the way, he is joined by allies such as Han Solo and Chewbacca, and faces enemies such as Darth Vader and the Emperor.
The Approach to the Inmost Cave occurs when Luke and his team sneak into the Death Star, the Empire's massive weapon that can destroy planets. This sets up the Ordeal in the Abyss stage, as Luke must confront his ultimate enemy, Darth Vader, in a lightsabre battle.
Luke's victory over Darth Vader in the Ordeal in the Abyss leads to his Apotheosis, where he becomes a true Jedi Knight and gains mastery over the Force.
Finally, Luke achieves the Ultimate Boon or Reward, as he helps to destroy the Death Star and save the Rebel Alliance. He then Refuses the Return, choosing to stay with the Rebellion and continue his quest to defeat the Empire.
The Road Back Home stage occurs when Luke joins the Rebel Alliance and helps plan the attack on the second Death Star. The Master of both Worlds stage occurs when Luke confronts his father, Darth Vader, and turns him back to the light side of the Force.
Finally, Luke Returns with Special Knowledge, as he becomes a legendary hero and helps to restore peace to the galaxy.
Overall, this provides a powerful framework for the story of Luke Skywalker and the original "Star Wars" trilogy, helping to create a compelling and memorable narrative that resonates with audiences to this day.
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FAQs about The Hero's Journey
What is the Hero's Journey?
The Hero's Journey is a storytelling framework developed by Joseph Campbell that outlines the path of the hero in a story. It involves several stages, including the call to adventure, meeting the mentor, crossing the threshold, facing tests and enemies, and ultimately, the hero's return.
Why is the Hero's Journey important?
Because it is a powerful tool for storytelling as it creates a compelling and engaging story structure. It also resonates with readers and viewers because it reflects the universal human experience of growth and transformation. It shows us that we all hit rock bottom because life tests us to become something greater.
What are some examples of stories that follow the Hero's Journey?
There are many Hero Journey examples of stories that follow this structure, including "The Lord of the Rings" by J.R.R. Tolkien, The Magic flight "Harry Potter" by J.K Rowling, George Lucas Iconic series which we covered, "The Matrix" by the Wachowski siblings, and "The Lion King" by Walt Disney Studios.
What ancient myths speak about the Hero's journey?
Many ancient myths and legends from around the world incorporate elements of the Hero's Journey. In fact, the concept of the Journey was first introduced by the American scholar and mythologist Joseph Campbell in his book "The Hero with a Thousand Faces," in which he analysed the common themes and motifs found in myths and stories from different cultures and time periods.
The Epic of Gilgamesh: This ancient Mesopotamian myth tells the story of the hero Gilgamesh, who embarks on a quest to find the secret of eternal life after his friend Enkidu dies. Along the way, Gilgamesh faces many trials and challenges that test the hero's resolve, but meets allies and enemies, and ultimately gains wisdom and knowledge. This is a perfect example of the mythic structure.
The Odyssey: This Greek epic poem by Homer follows the hero Odysseus as he journeys home after the Trojan War. Odysseus faces many obstacles, including the wrath of the gods, the wrath of Poseidon, and the seductive powers of the sorceress Circe, before finally returning home and restoring his kingdom.
The Ramayana: This ancient Indian epic tells the story of the hero Rama, who sets out to rescue his wife Sita from the demon king Ravana. Rama faces many trials and challenges, including battles with demons and alliances with allies, before ultimately defeating Ravana and rescuing Sita.
The Legend of King Arthur: This medieval English legend tells the story of the hero King Arthur, who becomes king of Camelot after pulling the sword from the stone. Arthur faces many trials and tests, including battles with his enemies and his own internal struggles, before ultimately falling in battle and passing his legacy on to his successor.
It is a universal story structure that has been used all throughout human history to tell the greatest stories ever told. From refusal of the call, to the first threshold to the special world, to the final battle the hero faces, to the life or death crisis, to defeat evil and return with the elixir.
What happens to the Hero's ordinary life?
In the Hero's Journey, the hero usually returns back to ordinary life, but they are forever changed by their experiences. The Return with Special Knowledge stage involves the hero coming back to their ordinary world with newfound wisdom, knowledge, or skills that they acquired during their journey.
However, the hero may find that their return is not always easy, and they may face challenges in reintegrating into their former life. In some cases, the hero may choose not to return to their ordinary world at all, or they may find that their return is temporary and that they are called to another adventure.
For example, in the story of "The Hobbit" by J.R.R. Tolkien, Bilbo Baggins returns to his ordinary life in the Shire after his adventure, but he is forever changed by his experiences and is no longer content with a quiet life. Similarly, in the story of "The Lion King" by Walt Disney Studios, Simba returns to Pride Rock as the rightful king, but he must confront his past and face his responsibilities as a leader.
Overall, the hero's return to ordinary life is an important part of the Journey, as it reflects the idea that personal growth and transformation can have a profound impact on one's life, even after the adventure is over.
What is impact of the hero's journey in Hollywood?
This spiritual roadmap has had a significant impact on Hollywood storytelling, as many successful films follow its basic structure and themes. It has become a popular and recognizable formula for creating engaging and meaningful stories that resonate with audiences. Not only does it disrupt reader expectations, the first three stages is the perfect beginning to any great story. From where the hero fails to answer the call, crossing the first threshold, the infamous second act, meeting a benign or malignant agent, entering the special world, the final battle and the epic return with special knowledge.
Its influence can be seen in various genres, from action and adventure to drama and comedy, and it continues to be a go-to framework for any great Hollywood film producer, many screenwriters and filmmakers. It is the foundation of any historical fiction.
Can the Hero's Journey be applied to real life?
Absolutely, the Hero's Journey can be applied to real life.
Many people have used this Journey framework to describe their own personal growth and transformation. It can also be used as a guide for self-improvement, personal development and spiritual evolution.
Can the Hero's Journey be adapted or modified for different types of stories?
Yes, it can be adapted or modified for different types of stories. It is a common story structure as it's flexible framework can be adjusted to fit the needs of different genres and formats, such as movies, books, and video games.
How can I use the structure in my own storytelling? The writer's journey can start by studying the stages of the framework and the traditional three act structure and how they apply to different stories. Then, you can adapt the framework to fit your own story, using the stages as a guide for creating a compelling narrative structure. Your adventure begins now... the ultimate battle is wating!
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