Archetypes &
The Hero’s Journey
What is an Archetype?
• An archetype is an original model after which
other similar things are patterned
• There are three basic types of archetypes:
– Situation (The Quest)
– Symbolic (Light vs. Dark)
– Character (the hero, the mentor, the temptress…)
What is an Archetype?
• Archetypes, like the hero’s journey, are some of the
oldest stories told in the world.
• These stories cross boundaries of time and culture.
• They were a universal way to try to understand human
beings’ place in the world:
Why am I here?
Why is there suffering?
What is the meaning of life?
You know archetypes:
• You are already familiar with archetypes if you know:
– Star Wars
– The Lord of the Rings
– The Matrix
– The Wizard of Oz
– Pinocchio
– The Odyssey
What is a Hero?
• Many live a secluded childhood among
humble people in a country setting
• Must successfully pass through several stages
in his quest to accomplish something for the
greater good
• Someone who has sacrificed himself for the
greater good
Return
with a Gift
Atonement
Call to
Adventure
Hero’s
Journey
The
Tests
Revelation
Transformation
Crossing the
Threshold
The
Abyss
Stage 1:
Separation from the Comfortable
• Step 1: Call to Adventure
– Invites initiate to adventure
– May be a sudden traumatic change
– Initiate is often reluctant to begin journey
Stage 1:
Separation from the Comfortable
• Step 2: The Threshold of Adventure
– When called to adventure, initiate must cross the
threshold (“jumping off point”)
– The gateway to the unknown
– Encounter Guardians
• people or situations that block passage
• Serve to protect and point way
– Encounter Helpers
• Often bring talisman or wisdom
• Mentors who guide throughout journey
Stage 2:
The Initiation
• Step 3: The Tests (Challenges & Ordeals)
– Outward journey to a physical unknown
– Inward journey to psychological unknown
Stage 2:
The Initiation
• Step 4: The Abyss (the ultimate test)
– Lowest point for hero
– Hero is often alone
– Hero must battle greatest internal and external
fear
Stage 2:
The Initiation
• Step 5: Transformation
– As hero conquers the Abyss, his transformation is
complete
– Like the Phoenix, a part of the hero must die so
that a new part can be reborn
– Ex. Fear dies to make room for courage, ignorance
for enlightenment, dependency for independenc…
Stage 2:
The Initiation
• Step 6: Revelation
– Part of the Transformation is a Revelation: a
sudden, dramatic change in the way the hero
thinks or views life.
– This change makes him truly a different person
Stage 2:
The Initiation
• Step 7: Atonement
– After the Transformation, the hero achieves
Atonement that his is “at one” with his new self.
– The hero has incorporated the changes caused by
the journey and is reborn.
Stage 3:
The Return to Everyday Life
• Step 8: Return with a Gift
– Final stage of the journey
– Upon return, the hero returns to his people with a
gift (ex. Protection, enlightenment, etc.)
– His people have benefited, but he will forever be
changed
– Many times, the hero is warmly received by his
community, but he a forlorn, somber view of the
world.
Return
with a Gift
Atonement
Call to
Adventure
Hero’s
Journey
The
Tests
Revelation
Transformation
Crossing the
Threshold
The
Abyss
“By the Waters of Babylon”
Hero’s Map Assignment
• In small groups, you will use your knowledge of setting
and archetypes to make a hero’s map that reflects the
short story.
Requirements:
• Detailed, accurate illustration
• Physical setting (ex. Rivers, trees, label area names)
• Cultural setting (ex. Forbidden boundaries)
• Track John’s travels
• Label and briefly explain John’s stages in his hero’s
journey