The Hero’s Journey

THE HERO’S JOURNEY

THE CALL

Invites the hero into the adventures. Offers an opportunity to face the unknown and gain some physical or spiritual value. It may be taken on willingly or forced upon them (refusal to call).

THE THRESHOLD

“Jumping off point.” The interface between the known and

the unknown. Known world = security Unknown = a different, unfamiliar world

with dangers and challenges.

THRESHOLD GUARDIANS

People, beings, or situations which block the passage to the journey.

Two Functions: 1) Protects hero from journeying before

ready. 2) Once ready, steps aside & point the way.

HELPERS

Provide assistance or direction. Often, the help comes as a divine

gift or intervention.

MENTOR

AKA “Guide” Keeps the hero focused on the quest,

provides stability, and acts as psychological foundation when the danger is the greatest.

CHALLENGES OR TEMPTATIONS Can be outward (physical) or inward

(psychological) Challenges grow more difficult as journey

continues. Challenges always strike the hero’s

greatest weaknesses.

TALISMAN

A gift given that helps the hero throughout the journey.

THE ABYSS (APOTHEOSIS)

The hero’s GREATEST challenge faces it alone the point when hero must “slay the

dragon.” It is always something he dreaded or

needs to resolve.

REVELATION AND TRANSFORMATION

Transformation is complete when the hero conquers the abyss :

- Fear dies to make way for courage, which is a total change.

Revelation = a sudden, dramatic change in his thinking/ perspectives

ATONEMENT

“at-one” with their new self. Acceptance of changes and are RE-

BORN. Hero now has harmony with life.

THE RETURN

Hero returns to everyday life, and now must begin attributing new self to society.

GLORIFICATION!!

HERO’S JOURNEY: HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER’S STONE

THE CALL Harry is first CALLED TO

ACTION through the letters that begin appearing at Privet Drive and continue despite Uncle Vernon’s efforts to stop them.

The call continues when Hagrid shows up himself on Harry’s 11th birthday.

His refusal to the call: Harry doubts that he is who Hagrid thinks he is. He fears it has been “a horrible mistake.” How could he be a wizard?

THE THRESHOLD

• This occurs at Platform Nine and Three Quarters

• After the Weasley’s tell Harry where the platform is, he must take a leap of faith and head straight for a solid wall.

THRESHOLD GUARDIANS• Harry’s survival

of Voldemort’s attack and delivery to the Dursley’s by Hagrid.

• Hagrid returns to help Harry get ready for Hogwarts.

HELPERS• Supernatural

aid has been with Harry since the beginning.

• Ron and Hermione lend their particular talents

MENTOR

Dumbledore aids Harry throughout

his journey

CHALLENGES & TEMPTATIONS•He had to face himself and his fears when he puts on the Sorting Hat.

• He must face Prof. Snape

• He makes enemies with Draco Malfoy

• He almost gets into trouble with Filch

• He faces his first time on broomstick

• Being the Seeker is itself a trial

CHALLENGES & TEMPTATIONS• Since Harry has never known

his parents, it is a moment of intense love when he sees them in the Mirror of Erised.

• The mirror also serves as a temptress to Harry.

• Dumbledore warns Harry that the mirror could become and obsession and he has it moved.

TALISMAN• His father’s invisibility

cloak. The cloak gives him unimagined power.

• The cloak allows him to find the Mirror of Erised and to save Norbert and Hagrid.

His owl

His wand

THE ABYSS• This stage of the

journey begins the moment Harry goes through the trap door in search of SS.

• He faces new trials which even become life-threatening.

• Voldemort again tries to kill Harry.

Harry survives but misses his triumph because he falls into blackness later to be awakened by Dumbledore.

REVELATION AND TRANSFORMATION

• Dumbledore tells Harry how he saved the SS and escaped being murdered by Voldemort.

• Gryffindor wins the House Cup thanks in part to Harry’s bravery

• Harry does not wish to return to the Dursley’s home. He has more knowledge of who he is, where he comes from, and what he is capable of doing.

ATONEMENT

• After disembarking from the Hogwarts Express, Harry chats with Ron and Hermione while the Dursleys look on.

• Here the reader realizes that Harry accepts his dual existence.

THE RETURN

• Harry assures Ron and Hermione that he will enjoy his holiday.

• He reminds them that the Dursleys don’t know they aren’t allowed to use magic at home.