Transcript 1990`s PowerPoint about Hero`s Journey

An Archetypal Story
Archetype:
A pattern, such as
a type of character
or type of story,
that is repeated in
literature.
The hero’s journey is one
of the oldest story
archetypes on the planet.
Some say it’s
older than the
Pyramids…
And Stonehenge…
And even cave
drawings.
(Vogler)
The components of
the hero’s journey
were identified
and developed by
Joseph Campbell,
who was the
world’s foremost
authority on
mythology.
In his book, The
Hero with a
Thousand Faces,
Campbell asserted
that all
storytelling
follows the ancient
patterns of myth,
and …
…that all
stories use
elements of
the Hero’s
Journey.
Campbell
called this
archetype a
Monomyth.
George Lucas, the
creator of Star
Wars, consulted
with Campbell
while writing the
scripts for the
first Star Wars
trilogy.
The function
of the story
is to
entertain,
to instruct,
and to
inspire.
The hero’s journey
is a metaphor
for life itself.
Part I:
Separation/
Departure
Breaking away
from the old life
A. The Call to
Adventure
The hero is invited to
leave a mundane life
and seek adventure.
Odysseus is called to
fight the Trojan War
Pinocchio wants
to become a
real boy.
Dorothy wants
to leave Kansas.
B.
The Refusal of
the Call
The hero has second
thoughts; adventure
looks too risky.
Dorothy runs
back to the
farm and
Auntie Em.
A storm is
brewing.
Luke Skywalker doesn’t have time for
the adventure - he has to help his
Uncle Owen on the moisture farm.
C. Supernatural Aid
The hero
receives a gift
to help on the
journey.
The ruby
slippers
A
conscience
Luke receives his lightsaber
from Obi-Wan Kenobi.
D. Crossing the First
Threshold
The hero leaves
the old world
behind and enters
the new.
Dorothy is carried
away to Oz by the
tornado.
Luke Skywalker leaves his
home on Tatooine.
E. The Belly of the Whale
Like Jonah and Pinocchio,
the hero experiences the
“dark night of the soul”
and must face his faults
and the truth.
This stage represents
the final separation from
the hero’s known world
and self and the new
world/self.
This stage can appear here or later in a story. Look for
evidence or reminders of the Belly of the Whale…
For some, the belly of the whale
experience is a situation in
which the hero feels trapped.
Luke, Han, and Leia trapped in the garbage compactor.
Luke Skywalker trains with Yoda in a whale-like
house.
While on Yoda’s planet of Dagobah,
Luke enters a whale-like cave and
must face his own potential for evil,
which is personified by Darth Vader.
The message
is that we all
have a
shadow self
and must
deal with it
at some point
in our lives.
F. Intervention
At the hero’s lowest point,
someone or something comes in
to encourage him/her to
continue.
Part II
Initiation
During the
“Initiation” phase,
the hero learns how
to live in the new
world.
A. The Road of Trials
The hero learns
that life in the
world of
adventure can
be difficult.
B. Meeting with the
Goddess
A wise or
magical woman
gives guidance
or advice to the
hero.
C. Temptation
Someone or
something tries to
distract the hero
from his goal.
Circe the witch
tries to keep
Odysseus on her
island.
D. Atonement with the Father
The hero
resolves
his/her
issues with
a parent
figure.
E. Apotheosis
(from Greek roots meaning “from God”)
The hero recognizes his/her
true identity - that spark of
divinity within.
I am a Jedi,
like my father
before me!
No.
But you’ve
always had the
power to
go home!
F. The Ultimate Boon
The hero succeeds in his/her mission.
Dorothy
returns to
Emerald
City with
the
witch’s
broom.
F. The Ultimate Boon
The hero succeeds in his mission.
Luke
destroys
the Death
Star.
Part III.
The Return
A. Refusal of Return
The hero wonders if it’s
possible to return to the
old life.
“How can I go back?”
B. Magic Flight
Upon deciding to return
home, the hero must “flee”
from yet another danger.
(Here, “flight” refers to
fleeing, not flying, though
sometimes flying is involved.)
There’s no
place like
home.
C. Rescue from Without
The hero escapes
with a little
outside help.
“Deus ex Machina”
(God in a machine)
“Dodge
this!”
D. Crossing the
Return Threshold
Finally,
the hero
returns to
“Kansas.”
E. Mastery of Two
Worlds
The hero
realizes that
s/he can be at
home in
two worlds.
S/he is wiser
and more
confident.
F. Freedom to Live
Having faced evil
- both from
within and
without - the
hero is free from
powerlessness
and fear.