The Heros Journey

The Heros Journey

The

vast majority of stories follow the ancient format of the heros journey. There are, generally speaking, 9 stages to the heros journey. The following is an exploration of them.

Stage 1: Of the Ordinary World

The

initial stage of the hero's journey may be referred to as "Of the Ordinary World," featuring the man/woman who acts as protagonist of the story tending to everyday matters.

Stage 2: Departure

The second stage, called "Departure," depicts substages such as "A Call to Adventure," when a particular occurrence stirs conflict in the hero over whether to depart a comfortable routine to accept a challenge to seek a reward outside his normal sphere.

1.

2.

That call may be met with "Refusal," when the protagonist for a time declares he will not embark on the journey. He immediately suffers a loss, of someone or something dear, and then comes to understand the importance of the task he has been given.

3. He is then observed "Crossing the Threshold," indicating he physically departs his familiar world to enter a new one.

Stage 3:
In

the "Initiation" stage, the hero must meet, and prove his valour or intelligence in, a number of challenges, which may be physical, spiritual, or psychological.

 He

may have help from a guide figure.

Stage 4: Descent
Typically,

this stage follows the loss of a guide which throws the hero into a state of depression or literal descent. This descent, literal or figurative, results in a renewal of purpose for the hero.

Stage 5: The Return Home

Once

the hero gains the necessary knowledge, he emerges, moving literally upward or outward from the low ground, re-emerging with renewed strength and confidence. While he may be further challenged, he will successfully reach his goal, procure his treasure, and begin the final stage, "The Return Home."

Stage 6: Restoration of Order

The

hero shares what he/she has learned with others to make their journey worthwhile.