Archetype: A pattern, such as a type of character or type of
story, that is repeated in literature.
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The heros journey is one of the oldest story archetypes on the
planet.
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Some say its older than the Pyramids
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And Stonehenge
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And even cave drawings. (Vogler)
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The components of the heros journey were identified and
developed by Joseph Campbell, who was the worlds foremost authority
on mythology.
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In his book, The Hero with a Thousand Faces, Campbell argued
that all storytelling follows the ancient patterns of myth,
and
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that all stories use elements of the Heros Journey. Campbell
called this archetype a Monomyth.
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George Lucas, the creator of Star Wars, consulted with Campbell
while writing the scripts for the first Star Wars trilogy.
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The function of the story is to entertain, to instruct, and to
inspire. The heros journey is a metaphor for life itself.
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Part I Separation Breaking away from the old life
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Ordinary World & The Call to Adventure The hero is
compelled to leave a mundane life and seek adventure or begin a
quest for something specific.
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Odysseus is called to fight the Trojan War
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Pinocchio wants to become a real boy.
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Dorothy wants to leave Kansas.
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The Refusal of the Call The hero has second thoughts; adventure
looks too risky.
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Dorothy runs back to the farm and Auntie Em. A storm is
brewing.
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The hero receives a gift to help on the journey. Supernatural
Aid- Meet the Mentor
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The ruby slippers
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A conscience
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Part II Descent The hero leaves the known and enters the
unknown world.
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Crossing the Threshold & Acceptance of the Call The hero
finally gives in, realizing that there is nobody else who is better
qualified to or available to accept responsibility.
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The hero leaves the old world behind and enters the new.
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Dorothy is carried away to Oz by the tornado.
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Test & Trials The hero learns that life in the world of
adventure can be difficult.
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Allies & Enemies The hero encounters both helpers and those
that seek to prevent him from achieving his goal.
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Meeting with the Goddess A wise or magical woman gives guidance
or advice to the hero.
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Atonement with the Father The hero may come up against a
'father figure' who must be beaten, persuaded, or whose approval
must be achieved in some way. Ultimately, by whatever means, the
difficult relationship between the two must be reconciled.
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Part III. The Initiation
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The Ordeal The hero must face his biggest fear or overcome his
biggest challenge. The fate of the world may be at stake, and it
may cost him his life and/or the lives of those he loves most.
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The Ultimate Boon The hero succeeds in his/her mission. Dorothy
returns to Emerald City with the witchs broom.
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But youve always had the power to go home!
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Part IV. The Return
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The Road Back The hero wonders if its possible to return to the
old life. How can I go back?
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Resurrection & Change: Apotheosis (from Greek root meaning
from God) The hero recognizes his/her true identity - that spark of
divinity within.
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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.)
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Theres no place like home.
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Rescue from Without The hero escapes with a little outside
help.
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Return & Reward Finally, the hero returns to Kansas.
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Reward: Mastery of Two Worlds The hero realizes that he can be
at home in two worlds. He is wiser and more confident.
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Reward: Freedom to Live Having faced evil - both from within
and without - the hero is free from his/her greatest fear.
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Common Mythic Elements Like the inevitable chase scene in
action films, the monomyth contains some standard features.
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The Young Hero who yearns for adventure.
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Two worlds: The Ordinary And the Fantastic
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The Mentor who trains the hero in special skills.
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The Oracle A wise - almost omniscient - seer who guides the
hero.
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The Prophecy A legend or ancient prophecy that the hero is
expected to fulfill.
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Why study this? The monomyth of the heros journey helps us
answer the most profound questions of the universe.
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Why am I here? is there suffering? What is the meaning of
life?
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A hero is someone who reaches the edge of death, steals a piece
of magic, then brings the magic home to share with his community.
(Brennan)
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We are all heroes on our separate journeys and our mission is
to make the world a better place.
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Follow your bliss. - Joseph Campbell
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Written and produced by Mollie Kelleher MMII What it Is Written
& performed by Mark Knopfler Teacher of English Longmont High
School St. Vrain Valley School District Adapted and edited by
Matthew Opal Teacher of English Silver Creek High School St. Vrain
Valley School District
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References Brennan, Kristen. Star Wars Origins. 1999-2001.
Jitterbug Fantasia. 20 Sept. 2002. Campbell, Joseph. The Hero with
a Thousand Faces. New York: Mythos Books, 1949. Vogler,
Christopher. The Writers Journey. 2002. Michael Weiss Productions.
20 Sept. 2002.