Transcript Epic Hero Cycle

Epic Hero
Cycle
Elements of the EPIC HERO CYCLE
THE CALL TO ADVENTURE
The cycle begins with a conflict or adventure the
hero is compelled to pursue or resolve
This is where the hero is enticed to leave the
ordinary world.
Example: In The Matrix, Trinity tells Neo he is really searching for the
Matrix
HELPERS
Wise and often strange beings who
help/teach/guide the hero
Example: In the Wizard of Oz, Dorothy’s helpers are Toto,
Tin Man, Scarecrow, and Cowardly Lion
Supernatural Aid
Helps the hero resolve conflict (special weapons,
skills, magic, information)
Often provided by the Helper
Example: In The Empire Strikes Back, Yoda teaches Luke
the ways of the Force
Crossing the Threshold
Departure
The threshold is a gateway to a new world
the hero must enter to change and grow
Example: In
Gladiator,
Maximus is
bought as
a slave and
enters the world
of gladiators
Descent and Challenges
Challenges the hero will face when trying to
conquer the adventure/conflict
Example: In Finding Nemo, Nemo and Dory encounter
Bruce, the shark.
Underworld & Final Battle
Climax of journey, all will be won or lost and
the hero will encounter fear or death
Example: In 300, The Battle of Thermopylae
Meeting with Goddess
Hero will often meet a woman after the
final battle, may be a mother figure
Example: The Lord of the
Rings: The Two Towers,
Arwen and Aragorn
have an encounter
Atonement and Recognition
by Father
Hero reconciles with father figure
Not always a literal father, may be represented by a
spiritual figure
Example: In Star Wars, Luke confronts Darth Vader and
then finds that Vader is his father.
The Ultimate Boon
Something a hero must bring back to society
to restore peace
Example: In Indiana Jones, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Indiana
Jones gains the Ark of the Covenant
Return
The way the hero is received upon his return
The hero returns to home turf, where he is safe
from further pursuit
Example: The Wizard of Oz, Dorothy clicks her heels and
returns home
Master of Two Worlds
Once the hero returns
from the journey,
he/she is a better
person and affects
their world in a
positive way
Example: Lance Armstrong as an
inspiration to those battling
cancer
Which step of the epic hero cycle would
Napoleon Dynamite’s dance fall
under?