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The Hero’s Journey: Examples of Each Stage
Mythology can be simultaneously fascinating and complex. Intrigued by these legendary tales, author Joseph Campbell studied the myth and made the famous claim that nearly all myths, and some other story types, have similar ideas, and the heroes' adventures are almost identical in their format. The different stages of adventure he identified have come to be called the "hero's journey."
Superhero girl with cape on city rooftop
Stages of the Hero's Journey
There are twelve steps to the hero's journey, and each step falls into one of three stages.
Stage 1: Departure - This includes steps 1, 2, 3, and 4. During this stage, the hero is preparing for his quest.
Stage 2: Initiation - This begins with step 5 as the hero crosses the first threshold, and it ends with step 10 as the hero begins the road back.
Stage 3: Return - Beginning with step 10 as the hero begins the road back, this stage continues through the end of the story.
According to The Writer's Journey by Christopher Vogler, those steps are as follows.
Ordinary World
This step refers to the hero's normal life at the start of the story, before the adventure begins. It’s the starting point, and it gives a glimpse into the character of the hero before the adventure begins. Often, this hero will change over the course of the story. We may see evidence of hamartia or a fatal flaw in the hero at this early point in the story.
Call to Adventure
The hero is faced with something that makes him begin his adventure. This might be a problem or a challenge he needs to overcome. In general, he must make a choice about whether to undertake the adventure.
Refusal of the Call
The hero attempts to refuse the adventure because he is afraid. He may feel unprepared or inadequate, or he may not want to sacrifice what is being asked of him.
Meeting With the Mentor
The hero encounters someone who can give him advice and ready him for the journey ahead. Acting as a mentor, this person imparts wisdom that may change the hero’s mind.
Crossing the First Threshold
The hero leaves his ordinary world for the first time and crosses the threshold into adventure. This step may seem almost inevitable, but it also represents a choice the hero is making. It’s a door through which the hero must pass for the story to really begin.
Tests, Allies, Enemies
The hero learns the rules of his new world. During this time, he endures tests of strength of will, meets friends, and comes face to face with foes. This period in his journey helps him define his relationship with other characters in the story. During this part of the journey, he learns who will help and who will hinder.
Approach
Setbacks occur, sometimes causing the hero to try a new approach or adopt new ideas. This is a lesson in persistence for the hero. When he fails, he needs to try again. Often, the stakes are rising, and real overall failure becomes less of an option.
Ordeal
The hero experiences a major hurdle or obstacle, such as a life or death crisis. He must come face to face with his weaknesses, and he must overcome them. This will be something he barely manages to accomplish.
Reward
After surviving death, the hero earns his reward or accomplishes his goal. This is a moment of great success in the story. The hero is a changed person now, though he may not fully realize the extent of the change in his continued focus on the matter at hand.
The Road Back
The hero begins his journey back to his ordinary life. In some ways, integrating back into his life will be a challenge. He is different now after his ordeal.