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The Hero’s Journey

The Hero’s Journey, sometimes called the monomyth, was introduced by Joseph Campbell. The template is a pattern of narrative that appears in drama, storytelling, myth, religious ritual and psychological development. It describes the typical adventure of “The Hero,” who goes on a quest, often for the good of his people. The Hero’s Journey is recognizable in movies and literature. Think of The Lord of the Rings, Star-Wars, The Wizard of Oz, Spider-Man—an unlikely hero goes on a quest and returns with a reward.

1. Ordinary World: The Hero is introduced in his environment, something is causing him stress. 2. Call to Adventure: External or Internal pressures invite the Hero to change. 3. Refusal of the Call: The Hero fears the unknown and tries to refuse the adventure (sometimes another

character goes ahead). 4. Meeting a Mentor: A seasoned traveler (often a wise, old man) offers the Hero training, equipment or

adavice. 5. Crossing the Threshold: The Hero commits to change and ventures out of their world. 6. Tests, Allies, Enemies: The Hero is tested in the special world. 7. The Approach: The Hero and newfound allies prepare for major challenge. 8. The Ordeal: Near the middle of the story, the Hero confronts death or faces his greatest fear. Out of

death comes new life. 9. The Reward: The Hero faces death and claims the treasure. There may be celebration, but there is still

danger of losing the treasure again. 10. The Road Back: The Hero leaves the Special World to bring the treasure home. Often, a chase signals

the urgency and danger of the mission. 11. Resurrection: At the climax, the Hero is tested once more and purified by a last sacrifice. The

beginning conflict is finally resolved. 12. Return with Elixir: The Hero returns home, bearing some element of the treasure and personal

transformation

How is Les Miserables an example of the Hero’s Journey? Consider Jean Valjean as the Hero and detail the events that represented his transformation.

1. Ordinary World: ____________________________________________________________________

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2. Call to Adventure: ___________________________________________________________________

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3. Refusal of the Call: __________________________________________________________________

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4. Meeting a Mentor: ___________________________________________________________________

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5. Crossing the Threshold: ______________________________________________________________

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6. Tests, Allies, Enemies: _______________________________________________________________

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7. The Approach: _____________________________________________________________________

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8. The Ordeal: ________________________________________________________________________

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9. The Reward: _______________________________________________________________________

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10. The Road Back: _____________________________________________________________________

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11. Resurrection: _______________________________________________________________________

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12. Return with Elixir: __________________________________________________________________

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Members Present: ___________________________________ ___________________________________

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The Hero’s Journey The Hero’s journey has been recreated and modified in a wide variety of media. Consider the following examples. Then, create your own version of the Hero’s journey. It may be funny or serious, but it must follow the structure of the monomyth. Use this page as a guide and then write it out in full on the back. Your story should be about 1 page long. Think deeply and be creative.

1. Ordinary World: ____________________________________________________________________

2. Call to Adventure: ___________________________________________________________________

3. Refusal of the Call: __________________________________________________________________

4. Meeting a Mentor: ___________________________________________________________________

5. Crossing the Threshold: ______________________________________________________________

6. Tests, Allies, Enemies: _______________________________________________________________

7. The Approach: _____________________________________________________________________

8. The Ordeal: ________________________________________________________________________

9. The Reward: _______________________________________________________________________

10. The Road Back: _____________________________________________________________________

11. Resurrection: _______________________________________________________________________

12. Return with Elixir: __________________________________________________________________

My Hero’s Journey, Title: ___________________________________________

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