THE CALL TO ADVENTUREThe cycle begins with a conflict or adventure the
hero is compelled to pursue or resolve
This is where the hero is enticed to leave the ordinary world.
Example: In The Matrix, Trinity tells Neo he is really searching for the Matrix
HELPERS
Wise and often strange beings who help/teach/guide the hero
Example: In the Wizard of Oz, Dorothy’s helpers are Toto, Tin Man, Scarecrow, and Cowardly Lion
Supernatural Aid
Helps the hero resolve conflict (special weapons, skills, magic, information)
Often provided by the Helper
Example: In The Empire Strikes Back, Yoda teaches Luke the ways of the Force
Crossing the ThresholdDeparture
The threshold is a gateway to a new world the hero must enter to change and grow
Example: In Gladiator, Maximus is bought asa slave and enters the world of gladiators
Descent and ChallengesChallenges the hero will face when trying to
conquer the adventure/conflict
Example: In Finding Nemo, Nemo and Dory encounter Bruce, the shark.
Underworld & Final Battle
Climax of journey, all will be won or lost and the hero will encounter fear or death
Example: In 300, The Battle of Thermopylae
Meeting with GoddessHero will often meet a woman after the
final battle, may be a mother figure
Example: The Lord of the
Rings: The Two Towers,
Arwen and Aragorn
have an encounter
Atonement and Recognition by Father
Hero reconciles with father figure
Not always a literal father, may be represented by a spiritual figure
Example: In Star Wars, Luke confronts Darth Vader and then finds that Vader is his father.
The Ultimate BoonSomething a hero must bring back to society
to restore peace
Example: In Indiana Jones, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Indiana Jones gains the Ark of the Covenant
ReturnThe way the hero is received upon his return
The hero returns to home turf, where he is safe from further pursuit
Example: The Wizard of Oz, Dorothy clicks her heels and returns home
Master of Two Worlds
Once the hero returns from the journey, he/she is a better
person and affects their world in a positive way
Example: Lance Armstrong as an inspiration to those battling
cancer