The hero’s journey is an archetypal story pattern found in literature and film from around the world. It is a classic structure of narrative that follows the adventures of a hero as they undergo trials, overcome obstacles, and ultimately triumph over adversity. The stages of this journey involve many different elements, from separation from home to the ultimate return with newfound knowledge or power. In this article, we will discuss each of the stages in detail.

What is the hero’s journey

The hero’s journey is a timeless narrative structure found in literature and film from all across the world. It follows the adventures of a hero as they embark on a quest, face obstacles and trials, and ultimately triumph over adversity. This story pattern is comprised of several different stages that each represent a unique part of the journey. These stages are commonly referred to as ‘the call to adventure ’, ‘the crossing of the first threshold’, ‘the challenges and trials’, ‘the innermost cave’, ‘the return with the elixir’, and ‘the resurrection’.

Importance of knowing the hero’s journey stages

The importance of knowing the hero’s journey stages cannot be overstated. By understanding these stages, you can gain insight into how to create compelling stories that captivate audiences and leave a lasting impression. Knowing the structure of this timeless narrative pattern allows writers to craft stories that are more engaging and exciting. Additionally, by recognizing the elements of the hero’s journey, readers can identify and appreciate these story patterns in literature and film.

Departure

Call to adventure

The first stage of the hero’s journey is the call to adventure. This is a point in which the hero is asked or challenged to take on a quest. It can come from an external source such as a wise teacher or mentor, an animal spirit guide, or an invitation from someone else. In some cases, the call may come from within the hero themselves, signaling their own inner motivation to take on the challenge.

Refusal of the call

The next stage of the hero’s journey is the refusal of the call. At this point in the story, the hero may be initially hesitant to accept and undertake their quest. They may attempt to deny or avoid it due to a variety of reasons such as fear, doubt, or uncertainty. The refusal can take many forms and can involve a number of different reactions, ranging from passive resistance to outright defiance.

Supernatural aid

The next stage of the hero’s journey is the provision of supernatural aid. This is a point in which the hero receives help from an otherworldly source in order to assist them on their quest. This aid can come from a variety of sources, such as gods, spirits, ancestors, or even magical objects. This assistance can provide the hero with strength and courage to continue their journey and overcome the obstacles they will face.

Crossing the first threshold

The following stage of the hero’s journey is crossing the first threshold. This is a point in which the hero takes their first steps into a new world, leaving behind their familiar life and embarking on an adventure full of unknown challenges and obstacles. It is during this stage that the hero moves away from their comfort zone, entering a new realm that they must learn to navigate and survive in.

Initiation

Road of trials

The Road of Trials is the fifth stage of the hero’s journey. This is a point in which the hero must face many different challenges and obstacles in order to progress on their quest. These trials may take many forms, such as physical tests, mental puzzles, or moral dilemmas. They may also involve overcoming enemies or gaining allies during the course of their adventure. All the while, the hero is tested and pushed to their limits.

Meeting with the goddess

Meeting with the goddess is the sixth stage of the hero’s journey. This is a point in which the hero receives aid and guidance from a powerful female figure, often referred to as “the goddess”. This figure may represent an actual deity or an archetypal representation of feminine wisdom. During this stage, the hero gains insight into their quest, as well as strength and courage to face their challenges.

Temptation

Temptation is the seventh stage of the hero’s journey. At this point in the story, the hero may be tempted to give up their quest or take a shortcut to reach their goal. This temptation can come in many forms such as money, power, love, or even immortality. While often difficult to resist, it is important for the hero to fight through these temptations in order to stay true to their quest and remain committed to their journey.

Atonement with the father

Atonement with the Father is the eighth stage of the hero’s journey. At this point, the hero must confront and make peace with an authority figure in their life such as a father or parental figure. This reconciliation can be a difficult process for the hero as it often involves facing fears or unresolved issues from their past. Once accomplished, however, it can provide closure and empowerment to move forward on their quest.

Apotheosis

Apotheosis is the ninth stage of the hero’s journey. This is a point in which the hero reaches a state of enlightenment and ascension. It is during this stage that they come to terms with their inner strength, courage, and wisdom and use these qualities to overcome any obstacles in their path. Apotheosis is also a time for celebration, as it marks the end of the hero’s journey and the emergence of a new, transformed individual.

The ultimate boon

The ultimate boon is the final stage of the hero’s journey. This is a point in which the hero achieves their ultimate goal and receives a reward for their efforts. The ultimate boon can take many forms, such as knowledge, power, wealth, or even immortality. It is through this reward that the hero gains closure and vindication for completing their quest. Furthermore, it serves as a reminder of the heroic feats they have accomplished and the noble character traits they have displayed throughout their journey.

Return

Refusal of the return

Refusal of the Return is the tenth stage of the hero’s journey. At this point in the story, after achieving their ultimate goal and receiving their reward, the hero may feel a reluctance to return home. This could be due to fear of losing what they have achieved or simply not wanting to leave behind their newfound power or knowledge. The refusal of the return can also be seen as a reflection of the hero’s doubts, as they must overcome their own inner struggles in order to return home.

The magic flight

The Magic Flight is the eleventh stage of the hero’s journey. This is a point in which the hero must make a daring escape in order to return home, often with the aid of magical forces or divine intervention. The hero may have to outsmart their enemies, outrun them, or use supernatural powers to evade capture. The magic flight tests the hero’s courage and serves as a reminder of their commitment to their quest.

Rescue from without, as they must rely on their skills and wit to make a safe return home

Rescue from Without is the twelfth stage of the hero’s journey. After completing their quest, the hero may now face one final challenge: returning home safely. During this stage, they must rely on their own skills and wits to make a safe return home. This could include outsmarting pursuers or negotiating safe passage through dangerous territory. While often difficult, this final test serves as a reminder of the hero’s courage and determination.

The crossing of the return threshold

The Crossing of the Return Threshold is the thirteenth stage of the hero’s journey. At this point, the hero has successfully overcome their fears and returned home after achieving their ultimate goal. This final stage is often filled with both joy and trepidation as they must now face the consequences of their actions and are often met with a change in their perception of reality. The crossing of the return threshold marks the end of the hero’s journey and symbolizes their transformation from a common person to an epic hero.

Master of two worlds

Master of Two Worlds is the fourteenth stage of the hero’s journey. At this point, the hero has faced and overcome all obstacles on their quest and achieved their ultimate goal. This is a point in which they have become enlightened, empowered, and transformed into a master of two worlds: the real world, and that of their own inner universe. The Master of Two Worlds signifies an understanding of the duality of life and a new sense of balance and harmony.

Freedom to live

Freedom to Live is the fifteenth and final stage of the hero’s journey. This is a point in which the hero has successfully completed their quest and achieved their ultimate goal, but more importantly, they now have the freedom to live life as they please. They can choose how to use their newfound knowledge, power, or wealth for the greater good or for themselves. This newfound freedom allows them to live life on their own terms, as a true hero.

Conclusion

The hero’s journey is a popular narrative structure that has been used in many stories, movies, and even video games. It is a timeless concept that can be found in many different forms of media, from classic literature to modern blockbuster movies. The hero’s journey is a powerful and versatile tool for storytelling, as it allows the audience to connect with the character on an emotional level and follow them on their journey of self-discovery and transformation.

The hero’s journey is a powerful tool for storytelling as it allows the audience to follow the character on their journey of self-discovery and transformation. By following this structure, stories can evoke deep emotions in the audience as they empathize with the hero’s struggles and celebrate their triumphs. The stages of the hero’s journey also serve as a road map for the character ’s development, allowing them to grow, change, and ultimately become a true hero.