The Hero's Journey

    

                        The Hero's Journey is a pattern of narrative that was identified by Joseph Campbell. This pattern can found in books, myths, religious rituals, psychological developments, and my personal favourite; movies.    It all starts with "The Ordinary World" stage. The hero is introduced to the audience against a background of an environment. Then, "The Call to Adventure" stage. Something comes in to the hero's life, so that the hero must face the beginnings of change.  "Refusal of Call". The hero feels the fear and tries to turn away from the adventure briefly."Meeting with the Mentor" is a stage where the hero comes across someone who gives him or her training and advice that will help on the adventure. Then, "Tests, Allies and Enemies" stage. The hero is tested and sorts out problems. "The Approach".  The hero and his/her new allies prepare for the major challenge. And comes, "The Ordeal". The hero confronts death or faces his or her greatest fear. Sounds similar? There are still a couple more stages. "The Reward" stage.  The hero takes possession of the prize won by facing his/her fear.   and then, "The Resurrection" stage. At the climax, the hero is tested one more time, but on a higher level. By the hero’s action, the conflicts at the beginning are finally resolved. Finally, "Return with the Elixir" stage. The hero returns home or continues the journey with elements of the prize that the hero won. Think about some books or movies that you've read or watched. I had my mind blown when I found out about such pattern. A hidden intertextuality used by great movie makers and writers.                                                        

      

       source: http://www.thewritersjourney.com/hero's_journey.htm

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