Hero’s Journey
Information in this handout is from a Prezi Presentation here: http://prezi.com/k6bxm9naoxbb/the-heros-journey/
The information for the “Characteristics of a hero” in this handout is from here: http://www.uky.edu/~aubel2/eng104/myth/hero.pdf
You'll be amazed at how many of your favorite stories follow this pattern of a “Hero’s Journey”:
• Lord of the Rings
• Spiderman
• The Matrix
• Harry Potter
• Kung Fu Panda
• Finding Nemo
• So many more...
According to Joseph Campbell, a famous scholar who studied mythologies across the world, many cultures' myths follow specific patterns in their
characters or plots. He called these, "archetypes." We all know about archetypes, without even realizing it! They show up in myths, religion, fairy tales,
fables. Archetypes are images and ideas, or basic units of expression, that appear in art and mythology around the world. Some common archetypes are:
Mother figure, Father figure, Hero, Maiden, Wise old man, Witch/wizard, Trickster. Archetypes can also be kinds of stories that appear in many different
cultures. An example is a creation myth (or a destruction myth), whether by flood or fire or some other mean.
The main kind of archetypal story that we're concerned with, however, is the HERO'S JOURNEY. The hero's journey is what Campbell called the
quintessential (or best example) of an archetypal myth. It outlines the steps a character will likely take on his or her path to become a hero. It generally
follows three main portions: the departure, the initiation, and the return. And remember, not every hero will fit every step, but they will often fit most of
them.
Characteristics of the Hero
According to Campbell, the hero is someone who has given his life over to someone or something bigger than himself. Even in novels and films, the hero is
someone who has found or done something beyond the normal range of achievement and experience.
The following characteristics are typically found in the heroes of mythology:
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The hero is usually male. According to Campbell, women typically represent creation and ultimate wisdom and therefore do not need to make a
journey. If a woman does go on a quest, traditionally it is to find her prince or mate.
The hero often times is of lowly birth (born poor or unimportant), but may secretly have special powers or a high birthright he is unaware of.
The hero's parents are often dead, absent, or uncaring. A hero usually can't begin a journey to become a hero if his father figure is still present.
A hero is judged by the things he does and the way he reacts and relates to people. His deeds must be marked by a nobility of purpose, and he must be
willing to risk his life for his ideals.
Steps of Hero’s Journey
Part 1: Initiation
Description of the step
This is the start of the Hero’s
journey.

Step 1: Unusual Birth (or
unusual Early Childhood)
There is something unusual about
the hero's birth or childhood –
something that make him different
from other people.

Step 2: Call to Adventure
The hero's call to adventure is
something that spurs him or her to
action. Hero is forced to leave
everyday world/life. The hero may at
first reject the call, but he will
eventually come around and decide
he has to take action. This
acceptance is the hero's first
voluntary step.

Step 3: Crossing the
Threshold
The threshold is the boundary
between the life the hero has known
before and the unknown challenges
that await him. Behind him is his
home and his past life – before him is
uncertainty and danger. Crossing the
threshold, then, is when the hero
takes the first steps on his
adventure, leaving home and setting
off on his journey.
Steps of Hero’s Journey
Part 2: Growth

Step 4: The Challenges or
Trials
Description of the step
This part contains most of the rising
action and excitement.
The challenges make up the bulk of
the hero's journey. They are the
things the hero must overcome, the
Your notes (or analysis)
Your notes (or analysis)

Step 5: Supernatural Helper
or Mentor
monsters the hero must fight and
the battles the hero must win, in
order to complete his journey.
The hero usually has a mentor who
looks out for him, teaches him what
he needs to know, gives him advice
and guidance, and maybe even gives
the hero a weapon or magical
object: a pen from a mentor, a
magical sword named Excaliber, his
father's lightsaber, or even a wand
chosen just for him.
Unfortunately, the mentor usually also
has to be out of the picture in order for
the hero to come into his own and truly
show his worth. For this reason,
mentors have to leave the hero in one
way or another – and they often end up
dying.

Step 6: The Special Weapon
The hero also has a weapon, often
one that only he can yield. This may
be something given to him by the
mentor, or perhaps something he
has to earn.

Step 7: The Abyss or
Temptation
Here's where things get tricky for
our hero. An abyss is defined as "an
immeasurably deep chasm, depth, or
void." So, the abyss is the darkest,
most perilous part of the hero's
journey. They may even face the
temptation to become evil or to
desert their quest. This is the point
where the hero achieves his goal,
wins the battle, finishes the quest,
saves the girl, kills the bad guy.
Step 8: The Transformation
The hero is changed by his
experiences. He becomes a true
hero.
Steps of Hero’s Journey
Part 3: Stronger
Description of the step
Finally, the character is ready to
return home and claim his place as a
true hero. His journey is coming to a
close.
Step 9: The Return Home
This step is pretty much just what it
sounds like. In order to prove
himself a changed person and a true
hero, the hero must return home. He
may decide not stay there, but he
will usually return at least
temporarily.
(Not all heroes can do this. For instance,
Frodo, in Lord of the Rings, cannot go
back to his old world and instead
chooses to go join the elves.)
Step 10: The Mastery of Two Worlds
This final step refers to the hero's
ability to reconcile his experiences
on his journey with his life back
home. He has seen and learned
things that have changed him. How
can he live in the world he is used to,
but still stay true to his new role as a
hero?
Vocabulary
Literary terms:
From the textbook or short story selection:
Your notes (or analysis)
Here are some other ways to look at these Hero steps. They are all basically the same, with perhaps a different name or a few more steps with
further details.
picture: http://resonantinsights.com/2012/12/honor-your-heros-journey/
Supplemental: More Hero’s Journey depictions…
You as the HERO!