the hero's journey assignment

The Daring English Teacher on Teachers Pay Teachers Secondary ELA resources Middle School ELA High School English

Teaching the Hero’s Journey

To introduce the Hero’s Journey, I first teach my students about the Hero’s Journey. Then, I show the Ted Ed video “What Makes a Hero?” by Matthew Winkler. This video is spectacular for a couple reasons. First, I love how it presents the Hero’s Journey in relation to a clock and a cycle. This visual sticks with the students. I also like how this video relates to the notion of the Hero’s Journey to students in their everyday lives.

Once we go over the video, we then read a short story and track the protagonist’s journey as a hero. Together, we identify each element of the Hero’s Journey cycle as outlined in the video and then discuss the qualities that make the character a hero. This helps me gauge whether or not my students are ready for the Hero’s Journey project. I have a graphic organizer in my Sticky Note Literary Analysis Unit.

The Hero’s Journey poster project is one of my favorite projects of the year. Students form groups of 2-3 and select a movie or book that they feel is a quintessential representation of the Hero’s Journey. Together, they discuss the movie and create a poster that represents all of the elements of the Hero’s Journey. I provide my students with a tabloid size piece of paper (affiliate link) for the project so they have more space to create.

To conclude the assignment, I have students present their findings to the class so that they can practice their presentation and public speaking skills.

I usually give my students 2-3 days of class time to work in their groups.

Teaching the Hero’s Journey: the 12 Stages

Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s Journey is a narrative structure that describes the typical stages that a hero undergoes in a story. Following along with the arch, these are the 12 stages of the hero’s journey.

The Ordinary World: The hero begins in a normal, mundane world, often unaware of the adventure that awaits.
The Call to Adventure: The hero receives a call to leave their ordinary world and embark on a journey.
Refusal of the Call: The hero initially hesitates or refuses the call, often due to fear or a sense of inadequacy.
Meeting the Mentor: The hero encounters a mentor or guide who provides guidance, advice, or tools for the journey.
Crossing the First Threshold: The hero commits to the adventure and crosses into the unknown, leaving their ordinary world behind.
Tests, Allies, and Enemies: The hero faces a series of challenges, makes new friends, and encounters adversaries on the journey.
Approach to the Inmost Cave: The hero approaches a critical point in the journey, often facing their greatest fear or confronting a powerful enemy.
Ordeal: The hero undergoes a significant trial or ordeal that tests their abilities and resolve.
Reward (Seizing the Sword): After overcoming the ordeal, the hero earns a reward or gains a valuable insight that propels them forward.
The Road Back: The hero begins the journey back to their ordinary world, often pursued by enemies or facing additional challenges.
Resurrection: The hero faces a final, often life-threatening challenge that transforms them and solidifies their hero status.
Return with the Elixir: The hero returns to their ordinary world with newfound knowledge, a treasure, or a boon that benefits themselves and others.

This is the first of two blog posts that outlines how I teach the Hero’s Journey. The next post will be about short stories and poems that you can use in your classroom when teaching the Hero’s Journey.

12 Comments

I love the idea of this project. Students are making connections between their favorite movies or tv shows and the concept they are learning. I want to revisit this blog post once I am a teacher and see if I can create something similar based on my curriculum.

Hi Angel, Thank you for reading.

Hi! This is great!

What were the texts (poems and short stories) that you would use to teach the hero's journey?

Hi Yinka, Thank you for reading. I will be publishing a blog post this weekend about the literature I use when teaching hero's journey.

I did a long unit with my high school students where we watched the cartoon mini Series Over the Garden Wall then plotted the moments of the Hero’s Journey together.

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I love this project. I would like to try it with my grade 11 ESL students.

I forget to ask: Which short story do you use with your graphic organizer?

One of my favorite stories to use is Contents of a Dead Man's Pockets.

I so love this project. Will the project guidelines and rubric be available for purchase on your TPT store? Thanks so much for sharing this great idea!

I don't have a rubric for this assignment right now. It is one that I give mostly full credit on as long as students mostly get the concept.

I have been tinkering with adjusting my units for next year so that there is a cohesive, year-long focus. I never thought about teaching The Hero's Journey first thing, but I like the sound of this! Coincidentally, my first short story is "Thank You, M'am" which you mentioned in the second post. Thanks yet again for making me a better teacher!

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How to Teach the Hero’s Journey: Engaging Students with the Monomyth Story Structure

Looking for advice on how to teach the Hero’s Journey in your secondary ELA class? Between a unit outline, a list of teachable titles, and engaging activities, this post is just what you need to get started.

What defines a hero?

That’s the simple question I love to open with when teaching the Hero’s Journey in secondary ELA. The best part? As students partake in an engaging discussion about their favorite heroes and the qualities that make them so great, they are unknowingly laying the foundation for your lesson. Because what your students might not realize is that all heroes, no matter who they are, where they come from, or what heroic quest they complete, all have something in common.

And that, my teacher friend, is the essence of the Hero’s Journey.

Keep reading to learn more about teaching the Hero’s Journey and my best tips for making it an engaging voyage for your students.

What Is the Hero’s Journey and Why Is It Important?

The Hero’s Journey is a classic narrative pattern that traces the transformative trek of a protagonist from their ordinary world into the unknown. During this journey, the character sets out on some form of adventure, meets mentors along the way, faces various obstacles, and overcomes challenges. In the end, they return home a hero equipped with newfound knowledge, perspective, or a physical object for the greater good.

This archetypal structure is as old as time and can be found in myths, legends, and stories throughout history. However, it’s widely used in modern literature and cinema as well. Luke Skywalker? Hero. Katniss Everdeen? Hero. The same can be said for characters ranging from Harry Potter to Spiderman. The Hero’s Journey can be traced throughout movies like Finding Nemo , The Lion King , The Wizard of Oz , Moana , Frozen , and even Shrek . I mean the list goes on and on.

Why Teach the Hero’s Journey?

By exploring this archetypal pattern, students can recognize and analyze the deeper meaning behind a wide variety of narratives, fostering critical thinking, empathy, and a deeper appreciation for storytelling. However, the importance of The Hero’s Journey extends beyond literature—and that’s really why it’s important.

The Hero’s Journey is a reflection of a universal human experience of growth and self-discovery. (What teenager can’t relate to that?) Therefore, students can apply the monomyth to their own lives. They can take what they learned and use it to see their inner hero as they answer their own calls to adventures, face challenges, conquer their fears, and come out on the other side with newfound insights and knowledge.

It’s this real-life connection that gives the Hero’s Journey its true power and explains why the literary framework has stood the test of time.

What Are the 12 Stages of the Hero’s Journey?

The Hero’s Journey can be broken down into 12 main phases. While not all heroes experience every stage in the same way, it goes a little something like this:

The Ordinary World: An introduction to the protagonist’s everyday life, relationships, and any challenges or limitations they face are first introduced.
The Call to Adventure: The protagonist receives a compelling invitation or challenge that initiates the on the heroic journey.
Refusal of the Call: The protagonist resists the call to adventure due to fear, doubt, or a sense of inadequacy.
Meeting the Mentor: The protagonist encounters a mentor figure who provides guidance, advice, and assistance needed for the journey.
Crossing the Threshold: The protagonist leaves the familiar and ordinary world behind and enters the unknown.
Tests, Allies, and Enemies: The protagonist encounters various obstacles,enemies, and allies that test their will, determination and character.
Approach to the Inmost Cave: The protagonist prepares for a significant challenge or confrontation, symbolizing their innermost fears, doubts, or weaknesses.
Ordeal: The protagonist is pushed to their limits when faced with their greatest challenge, undergoing a transformative experience.
Reward: After overcoming the ordeal, the protagonist is rewarded with something, often knowledge, that empowers them to continue their journey.
The Road Back: The protagonist begins a journey back to the ordinary world.
Resurrection: They face a final challenge, where they must apply everything they have learned and experienced.
Return with the Elixir: The protagonist returns and is reunited with the ordinary world, having been transformed by “the elixir”—an object, knowledge, or insight—for the greater good.

How to Teach the Hero’s Journey

Want to maintain student engagement throughout the trek of teaching the Hero’s Journey? Read through the steps below for an easy-to-follow outline to bring the narrative pattern to life in your classroom.

Step 1: Begin with a Conversation

Before formally introducing the concept, get students thinking (and engaged) with a simple conversation. Consider your essential questions for the unit and let them guide your initial discussion. Have students reflect on the heroes in their lives, asking them to work together to define what makes a hero in the first place. Here are a few questions you can use to get started:

What does it mean to be a hero?
Who do you consider as heroes in your life?
Do all heroes share certain traits?
Are heroes born or made?
How can an individual change by taking heroic action?
Do heroes have responsibilities to themselves? To others? To Society?
What draws us to stories about heroes, real or fiction?

Step 2: Introduce the Concept

Next, provide students with a clear definition of the Hero’s Journey and explain its 12 stages. It’s helpful to use visual aids such as diagrams or infographics to help students visualize the structure as a full circle and transformative journey. Additionally, you can incorporate brief videos, like this TED-Ed , to provide an overview of the journey, too.

Step 3: Start with Low-Stakes Application

Once students understand what the Hero’s Journey is, have them work together to think of relevant examples of characters or plotlines that follow the pattern. As a class, create a list of familiar characters in popular movies and books that they believe represent the Hero’s Journey. This is a low-stakes way to get them to start applying the concept. Note: You do not need to dive into deep analysis here. Don’t worry, that comes next.

Step 3: Analyze Examples

Before diving into a more complex text, check for understanding using examples from well-known stories or films. Analyze a popular movie plot, working as a class to identify each stage of the Hero’s Journey. Pause to discuss the significance of key moments and check for comprehension. Encourage students to share their observations and interpretations of the Hero’s Journey along the way.

Strive to incorporate modern examples of the Hero’s Journey that resonate with your students’ interests and experiences. This will heighten student engagement and help them see the relevance of the Hero’s Journey in their own lives.

Step 4: Bring in the Literature

Whether you decide to teach the Hero’s Journey using short stories or a novel, select texts that provide clear examples of the narrative pattern. If this is the first time your students are working with the Hero’s Journey, analyze the selected literature together to ensure understanding along the way. Scaffold the analysis by using a mix of read-alouds, turn and talks, group work, class discussions, comprehension questions, and quick writes. Additionally, have students track the progress of the Hero’s journey in their notes or using a graphic organizer.

Step 5: Apply Student Knowledge

Provide students with various opportunities to apply their knowledge of the Hero’s Journey through writing assignments, creative projects , or group presentations. Start with simple tasks, such as identifying the stages in a short story, and gradually move towards more complex projects, like crafting their own Hero’s Journey narratives or writing a literary analysis essay .

What to Read When Teaching the Hero’s Journey?

Whether you’re looking to pull excerpts or to dive into full-length texts, here are some engaging titles you can use in your secondary classroom when teaching the Hero’s Journey:

● The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien ● Life of Pi by Yann Martel ● To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee ● The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain ● Lord of the Flies by William Golding ● The Odyssey by Homer ● The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho ● The Wizard of Oz by L Frank Baum ● The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins ● The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan ● Holes by Louis Sachar ● Divergent by Veronica Roth ● Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by JK Rowling

On the other hand, if you’re looking for short stories for teaching the Hero’s Journey, read this post here.

Exciting Activities to Engage Students with the Hero’s Journey

Whether you’re looking for formative check-ins or summative assessments, here are some engaging activities that give your students an opportunity to shine as the Hero in their learning journey:

Hero’s Journey Roadmap: Play up the “adventure” element by encouraging students to design a creative roadmap to express the various stages of the Hero’s Journey. Adapt this activity to reflect the 12 stages or the narrative structure in general or map out a specific character’s experience. Either way, encourage students to use images, quotes, and symbols to enhance this visual representation.
Everyday Heroes: While we associate the term “hero” with characters from comic books and movies, there are plenty of heroes among us. Therefore, this activity encourages students to take a closer look at the essential question, “What makes a hero?” Have students identify real-life heroes and present what their real-life version of this journey looks like. These figures can include historical figures, athletes, changemakers, activists, or even everyday people in their own community.
Hero’s Journey Comparative Analysis: Assign students two texts, characters, or films that follow the Hero’s Journey. The twist? The plotlines should differ in genre, time period, or cultural context. Ask students to write a comparative analysis essay, exploring how the stages are portrayed in each text while highlighting that heroes come in all different shapes and sizes. To set students up for success, encourage them to start with a simple Venn diagram before translating the information into more thorough writing.
Hero’s Journey in the Twitterverse : Students these days document everything on social media. So, why not document their learning? After reading a text, have students represent the character’s Hero’s Journey through a series of Tweets (or Instagram posts). Each post should highlight a specific stage in the journey. By the end, students should present 12 posts that showcase the character’s heroic transformation from start to finish. You can have students create dummy accounts or complete the activity using social media post templates.
A Multigenre Monomyth: Rather than completing a classic character analysis, challenge students to create a multi-genre representation of a character’s Hero’s Journey. Whether students analyze a hero from a classroom text or from pop culture, have them explore said character’s journey through various genres. Each stage of the Hero’s Journey should be represented and analyzed through a different genre. In the end, they’ll have a multigenre representation of how the character undergoes transformation and overcomes challenges throughout the story.

Examples of genres include poetry, journal entries, abstract recipes, formal analysis, song lyrics, artwork, comic strips, maps, news articles, and more.

Create Your Own Hero’s Journey: Encourage students to write their own Hero’s Journey stories. They can create original characters, outline the stages, and craft a compelling narrative that follows the pattern. Students can share their stories with the class or in small groups. As an alternative, have your students create the outline or story map for a short story that would follow the hero’s journey.

The activities above provide diverse ways for students to showcase their understanding of this narrative structure. Whichever activities you choose, your students are sure to showcase creativity, critical thinking, and engagement.

Final Thoughts on Teaching the Hero’s Journey

Before you begin your own heroic journey of teaching this beloved narrative pattern, remember that the Hero’s Journey is about much more than literature itself. Use the Hero’s Journey to engage students in the power of storytelling and self-discovery. Talk about real-world application!

Hero's Journey 101: How to Use the Hero's Journey to Plot Your Story

Dan Schriever

How many times have you heard this story? A protagonist is suddenly whisked away from their ordinary life and embarks on a grand adventure. Along the way they make new friends, confront perils, and face tests of character. In the end, evil is defeated, and the hero returns home a changed person.

That’s the Hero’s Journey in a nutshell. It probably sounds very familiar—and rightly so: the Hero’s Journey aspires to be the universal story, or monomyth, a narrative pattern deeply ingrained in literature and culture. Whether in books, movies, television, or folklore, chances are you’ve encountered many examples of the Hero’s Journey in the wild.

In this post, we’ll walk through the elements of the Hero’s Journey step by step. We’ll also study an archetypal example from the movie The Matrix (1999). Once you have mastered the beats of this narrative template, you’ll be ready to put your very own spin on it.

Sound good? Then let’s cross the threshold and let the journey begin.

What Is the Hero’s Journey?

The 12 stages of the hero’s journey, writing your own hero’s journey.

The Hero’s Journey is a common story structure for modeling both plot points and character development. A protagonist embarks on an adventure into the unknown. They learn lessons, overcome adversity, defeat evil, and return home transformed.

Joseph Campbell’s The Hero with a Thousand Faces (1949)

Joseph Campbell , a scholar of literature, popularized the monomyth in his influential work The Hero With a Thousand Faces (1949). Looking for common patterns in mythological narratives, Campbell described a character arc with 17 total stages, overlaid on a more traditional three-act structure. Not all need be present in every myth or in the same order.

The three stages, or acts, of Campbell’s Hero’s Journey are as follows:

1. Departure. The hero leaves the ordinary world behind.

2. Initiation. The hero ventures into the unknown ("the Special World") and overcomes various obstacles and challenges.

3. Return. The hero returns in triumph to the familiar world.

Hollywood has embraced Campbell’s structure, most famously in George Lucas’s Star Wars movies. There are countless examples in books, music, and video games, from fantasy epics and Disney films to sports movies.

In The Writer’s Journey: Mythic Structure for Writers (1992), screenwriter Christopher Vogler adapted Campbell’s three phases into the "12 Stages of the Hero’s Journey." This is the version we’ll analyze in the next section.

The three stages of Campbell's Hero's Journey

For writers, the purpose of the Hero’s Journey is to act as a template and guide. It’s not a rigid formula that your plot must follow beat by beat. Indeed, there are good reasons to deviate—not least of which is that this structure has become so ubiquitous.

Still, it’s helpful to master the rules before deciding when and how to break them. The 12 steps of the Hero's Journey are as follows :

The Ordinary World
The Call of Adventure
Refusal of the Call
Meeting the Mentor
Crossing the First Threshold
Tests, Allies, and Enemies
Approach to the Inmost Cave
Reward (Seizing the Sword)
The Road Back
Resurrection
Return with the Elixir

Let’s take a look at each stage in more detail. To show you how the Hero’s Journey works in practice, we’ll also consider an example from the movie The Matrix (1999). After all, what blog has not been improved by a little Keanu Reeves?

#1: The Ordinary World

This is where we meet our hero, although the journey has not yet begun: first, we need to establish the status quo by showing the hero living their ordinary, mundane life.

It’s important to lay the groundwork in this opening stage, before the journey begins. It lets readers identify with the hero as just a regular person, “normal” like the rest of us. Yes, there may be a big problem somewhere out there, but the hero at this stage has very limited awareness of it.

The Ordinary World in The Matrix :

We are introduced to Thomas A. Anderson, aka Neo, programmer by day, hacker by night. While Neo runs a side operation selling illicit software, Thomas Anderson lives the most mundane life imaginable: he works at his cubicle, pays his taxes, and helps the landlady carry out her garbage.

#2: The Call to Adventure

The journey proper begins with a call to adventure—something that disrupts the hero’s ordinary life and confronts them with a problem or challenge they can’t ignore. This can take many different forms.

While readers may already understand the stakes, the hero is realizing them for the first time. They must make a choice: will they shrink from the call, or rise to the challenge?

The Call to Adventure in The Matrix :

A mysterious message arrives in Neo’s computer, warning him that things are not as they seem. He is urged to “follow the white rabbit.” At a nightclub, he meets Trinity, who tells him to seek Morpheus.

#3: Refusal of the Call

Oops! The hero chooses option A and attempts to refuse the call to adventure. This could be for any number of reasons: fear, disbelief, a sense of inadequacy, or plain unwillingness to make the sacrifices that are required.

A little reluctance here is understandable. If you were asked to trade the comforts of home for a life-and-death journey fraught with peril, wouldn’t you give pause?

Refusal of the Call in The Matrix :

Agents arrive at Neo’s office to arrest him. Morpheus urges Neo to escape by climbing out a skyscraper window. “I can’t do this… This is crazy!” Neo protests as he backs off the ledge.

#4: Meeting the Mentor

Okay, so the hero got cold feet. Nothing a little pep talk can’t fix! The mentor figure appears at this point to give the hero some much needed counsel, coaching, and perhaps a kick out the door.

After all, the hero is very inexperienced at this point. They’re going to need help to avoid disaster or, worse, death. The mentor’s role is to overcome the hero’s reluctance and prepare them for what lies ahead.

Meeting the Mentor in The Matrix :

Neo meets with Morpheus, who reveals a terrifying truth: that the ordinary world as we know it is a computer simulation designed to enslave humanity to machines.

#5: Crossing the First Threshold

At this juncture, the hero is ready to leave their ordinary world for the first time. With the mentor’s help, they are committed to the journey and ready to step across the threshold into the special world . This marks the end of the departure act and the beginning of the adventure in earnest.

This may seem inevitable, but for the hero it represents an important choice. Once the threshold is crossed, there’s no going back. Bilbo Baggins put it nicely: “It’s a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don't keep your feet, there's no knowing where you might be swept off to.”

Crossing the First Threshold in The Matrix :

Neo is offered a stark choice: take the blue pill and return to his ordinary life none the wiser, or take the red pill and “see how deep the rabbit hole goes.” Neo takes the red pill and is extracted from the Matrix, entering the real world .

#6: Tests, Allies, and Enemies

Now we are getting into the meat of the adventure. The hero steps into the special world and must learn the new rules of an unfamiliar setting while navigating trials, tribulations, and tests of will. New characters are often introduced here, and the hero must navigate their relationships with them. Will they be friend, foe, or something in between?

Broadly speaking, this is a time of experimentation and growth. It is also one of the longest stages of the journey, as the hero learns the lay of the land and defines their relationship to other characters.

Wondering how to create captivating characters? Read our guide , which explains how to shape characters that readers will love—or hate.

Tests, Allies, and Enemies in The Matrix :

Neo is introduced to the vagabond crew of the Nebuchadnezzar . Morpheus informs Neo that he is The One , a savior destined to liberate humanity. He learns jiu jitsu and other useful skills.

#7: Approach to the Inmost Cave

Time to get a little metaphorical. The inmost cave isn’t a physical cave, but rather a place of great danger—indeed, the most dangerous place in the special world . It could be a villain’s lair, an impending battle, or even a mental barrier. No spelunking required.

Broadly speaking, the approach is marked by a setback in the quest. It becomes a lesson in persistence, where the hero must reckon with failure, change their mindset, or try new ideas.

Note that the hero hasn’t entered the cave just yet. This stage is about the approach itself, which the hero must navigate to get closer to their ultimate goal. The stakes are rising, and failure is no longer an option.

Approach to the Inmost Cave in The Matrix :

Neo pays a visit to The Oracle. She challenges Neo to “know thyself”—does he believe, deep down, that he is The One ? Or does he fear that he is “just another guy”? She warns him that the fate of humanity hangs in the balance.

#8: The Ordeal

The ordeal marks the hero’s greatest test thus far. This is a dark time for them: indeed, Campbell refers to it as the “belly of the whale.” The hero experiences a major hurdle or obstacle, which causes them to hit rock bottom.

This is a pivotal moment in the story, the main event of the second act. It is time for the hero to come face to face with their greatest fear. It will take all their skills to survive this life-or-death crisis. Should they succeed, they will emerge from the ordeal transformed.

Keep in mind: the story isn’t over yet! Rather, the ordeal is the moment when the protagonist overcomes their weaknesses and truly steps into the title of hero .

The Ordeal in The Matrix :

When Cipher betrays the crew to the agents, Morpheus sacrifices himself to protect Neo. In turn, Neo makes his own choice: to risk his life in a daring rescue attempt.

#9: Reward (Seizing the Sword)

The ordeal was a major level-up moment for the hero. Now that it's been overcome, the hero can reap the reward of success. This reward could be an object, a skill, or knowledge—whatever it is that the hero has been struggling toward. At last, the sword is within their grasp.

From this moment on, the hero is a changed person. They are now equipped for the final conflict, even if they don’t fully realize it yet.

Reward (Seizing the Sword) in The Matrix :

Neo’s reward is helpfully narrated by Morpheus during the rescue effort: “He is beginning to believe.” Neo has gained confidence that he can fight the machines, and he won’t back down from his destiny.

#10: The Road Back

We’re now at the beginning of act three, the return . With the reward in hand, it’s time to exit the inmost cave and head home. But the story isn’t over yet.

In this stage, the hero reckons with the consequences of act two. The ordeal was a success, but things have changed now. Perhaps the dragon, robbed of his treasure, sets off for revenge. Perhaps there are more enemies to fight. Whatever the obstacle, the hero must face them before their journey is complete.

The Road Back in The Matrix :

The rescue of Morpheus has enraged Agent Smith, who intercepts Neo before he can return to the Nebuchadnezzar . The two foes battle in a subway station, where Neo’s skills are pushed to their limit.

#11: Resurrection

Now comes the true climax of the story. This is the hero’s final test, when everything is at stake: the battle for the soul of Gotham, the final chance for evil to triumph. The hero is also at the peak of their powers. A happy ending is within sight, should they succeed.

Vogler calls the resurrection stage the hero’s “final exam.” They must draw on everything they have learned and prove again that they have really internalized the lessons of the ordeal . Near-death escapes are not uncommon here, or even literal deaths and resurrections.

Resurrection in The Matrix :

Despite fighting valiantly, Neo is defeated by Agent Smith and killed. But with Trinity’s help, he is resurrected, activating his full powers as The One . Isn’t it wonderful how literal The Matrix can be?

#12: Return with the Elixir

Hooray! Evil has been defeated and the hero is transformed. It’s time for the protagonist to return home in triumph, and share their hard-won prize with the ordinary world . This prize is the elixir —the object, skill, or insight that was the hero’s true reward for their journey and transformation.

Return with the Elixir in The Matrix :

Neo has defeated the agents and embraced his destiny. He returns to the simulated world of the Matrix, this time armed with god-like powers and a resolve to open humanity’s eyes to the truth.

If you’re writing your own adventure, you may be wondering: should I follow the Hero’s Journey structure?

The good news is, it’s totally up to you. Joseph Campbell conceived of the monomyth as a way to understand universal story structure, but there are many ways to outline a novel. Feel free to play around within its confines, adapt it across different media, and disrupt reader expectations. It’s like Morpheus says: “Some of these rules can be bent. Others can be broken.”

Think of the Hero’s Journey as a tool. If you’re not sure where your story should go next, it can help to refer back to the basics. From there, you’re free to choose your own adventure.

Are you prepared to write your novel? Download this free book now:

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So you are ready to write your novel. excellent. but are you prepared the last thing you want when you sit down to write your first draft is to lose momentum., this guide helps you work out your narrative arc, plan out your key plot points, flesh out your characters, and begin to build your world..

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The Hero's Journey

Teaching Joseph Campbell's The Hero's Journey

Joseph Campbell, an American mythological researcher, wrote a famous book entitled The Hero with a Thousand Faces . In his lifelong research Campbell discovered many common patterns running through hero myths and stories from around the world. Years of research lead Campbell to discover several basic stages that almost every hero-quest goes through (no matter what culture the myth is a part of). He calls this common structure “the monomyth.” It is commonly referred to as "The Hero's Journey."

George Lucas, the creator of Star Wars , claims that Campbell’s monomyth was the inspiration for his groundbreaking films. Lucas also believes that Star Wars is such a popular saga because it taps into a timeless story-structure which has existed for thousands of years.

The Hero's Journey is a great technique for analyzing all kinds of stories--whether they be myths, legends, films, novels, short stories, plays, or even comic books. Educating students about the Hero's Journey encourages them to think about plot structure, character motivation, and theme. It also leads them to consider what qualities they associate with heroes. Are heroes born or are they made? Are there heroes in real-life or must they be larger-than-life? Who are the heroes in our society. Listed below are some resources that I have found successful in my own classroom for teaching the Hero's Journey:

THE HERO'S JOURNEY (PDF) This worksheet gives an overview of the Hero's Journey, as outlined by Joseph Campbell and others. Each step is listed, along with examples from film and literature.

SAMPLE HERO'S JOURNEY UNIT (PDF) This outline provides a suggested unit using this site's resources.

WHY YOUNG PEOPLE NEED HERO STORIES NOW MORE THAN EVER (ARTICLE) This article explains the numerous real-life applications of the Hero's Journey, a message of hope that young people need to hear!

DETAILED PRESENTATION ON THE STAGES OF THE HERO'S JOURNEY WITH LIFE-APPLICATION (SALE ITEM) This in-depth presentation covers the stages of the Hero's Journey, using visual examples from Star Wars and The Lion King. Each stage also has a "My Journey" section that gives each stage a real-life application. Also comes with a note-taking sheet with student use.

DESIGN-A-QUEST: CREATIVE GRAPHIC ORGANIZERS FOR MAKING YOUR OWN HERO'S JOURNEY (SALE ITEM) Want to give your students some practice writing their own Hero's Journey? This set of graphic organizers is perfect for young writers who want to invent some heroes of their own. Using your choice of written-response only or a creative, comic-book-style combination of artwork and written responses, these graphic organizers allow students to create their own hero story. This item also includes a sample Hero's Journey using Disney's Aladdin as an example.

The Hero’s Journey: 12 Steps That Make Up the Universal Structure of Great Stories

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At some in your writer's life, you've probably come across the term Hero's Journey. Maybe you've even studied this guide for storytelling and applied it to your own books—and yet, something about your own application felt off. You wanted to learn more, but didn't know where to start.

Maybe you needed a resource that would simplify the hero's journey steps and all the other major details instead of complicate them.

The Hero's Journey: The Ultimate Guide to the Universal Structure of Great Stories

The Hero's Journey is as old as humanity itself. And through history, this single story form has emerged over and over again. People from all cultures have seemed to favor its structure, and its familiar types of characters (archetypal hero, anyone?), symbols, relationships, and steps.

If you want to build or strengthen your writing career and win a following of many happy readers, you want this particular tool in your writer's toolbox.

Let's dive in.

Need help applying The Hero's Journey to your story outline and manuscript? Download this free Hero's Journey worksheet now!

Why I Love the Hero's Journey (And You Will, Too)

Like many, I grew up loving Star Wars. I especially loved the music and bought the soundtracks at some point in middle school. When my parents weren't home and I had the house all to myself, I'd slip one of the CDs into my stereo, crank the volume up, and blast the London Symphony Orchestra. I even pretended I was conducting the violins and timpani myself.

I know it's nerdy to admit. But we love what we love, and I love the music of great movies.

In a way, the Hero's Journey is like a soundtrack. It follows familiar beats and obeys age-old principles of human emotion. We can't necessarily explain why a piece of music is so beautiful, but we can explain what it does and simply acknowledge that most people like it.

As I've come to understand Joseph Campbell's groundbreaking monomyth theory, commonly known as the Hero's Journey, I've fallen deeper and deeper in love with it.

But it's important to make sure you know what it is, and what it isn't.

The Hero's Journey isn't a formula to simply follow, plugging in hackneyed characters into cliched situations.

It's not “selling out” and giving up your artistic integrity

The Hero's Journey is a set of steps, scenes, character types, symbols, and themes that tend to recur in stories regardless of culture or time period. Within these archetypes are nearly infinite variations and unique perspectives that are impacted by culture and period, reflecting wonderful traits of the authors and audiences.

Also, the Hero's Journey is a process that your reader expects your story to follow, whether they know it or not. This archetype is hard-wired into our D.N.A. Let's look at how to use it to make your own stories stronger.

How to Use This Hero's Journey Post

In the beginning, there were stories. These stories were told by mothers, soldiers, and performers. They were inscribed on the walls of caves, into tablets of stone, and on the first sheets of papyrus.

This is how the Hero's Journey was born.

In this post, I'll walk you through the Hero's Journey twelve steps, and teach you how to apply them into your story. I'll also share additional resources to teach you some other Hero's Journey essentials, like character archetypes, symbols, and themes. By the end of this post, you'll be able to easily apply the Hero's Journey to your story with confidence.

And don't skip out on the practice exercise at the end of the post! This will help you start to carve out the Hero's Journey for your story with a practical fifteen minute exercise—the best way to really retain how the Hero's Journey works is to apply it.

Table of Contents: The Hero's Journey Guide

What is the Hero's Journey?

Why the Hero's Journey will make you a better writer

The Twelve-Step Hero's Journey Structure

The Ordinary World
The Call to Adventure
The Refusal of the Call
Meeting the Mentor
Crossing the Threshold
Trials, Allies, and Enemies
The Approach
The Road Back
The Resurrection
Return With the Elixir

5 Essential Hero's Journey Scenes

A Guide to Structuring Your Hero's Journey

Bonus! Additional Hero's Journey Resources

5 Character Archetypes
5 Hero's Journey Symbols
5 Hero's Journey Themes

What Is the Hero's Journey?

The Hero's Journey is the timeless combination of characters, events, symbols, and relationships frequently structured as a sequence of twelve steps. It is a storytelling structure that anyone can study and utilize to tell a story that readers will love.

First identified and defined by Joseph Campbell, the Hero's Journey was theorizied in The Hero With a Thousand Faces . Today, it has been researched and taught by great minds, some including Carl Jung and Christopher Vogler (author of The Writer's Journey: Mythic Structure for Writers ).

This research has given us lengthy and helpful lists of archetypes , or story elements that tend to recur in stories from any culture at any time.

And while some archetypes are unique to a genre, they are still consistent within those genres. For example, a horror story from Japan will still contain many of the same archetypes as a horror story from Ireland. There will certainly be notable differences in how these archetypes are depicted, but the tropes will still appear.

That's the power of the Hero's Journey. It is the skeleton key of storytelling that you can use to unlock the solution to almost any writing problem you are confronted with.

Why the Monomyth Will Make You a Better Writer

The Hero's Journey is the single most powerful tool at your disposal as a writer.

But it isn't a “rule,” so to speak. It's also not a to-do list.

If anything, the Hero's Journey is diagnostic, not prescriptive. In other words, it describes a story that works, but doesn't necessarily tell you what to do.

But the reason you should use the Hero's Journey isn't because it's a great trick or tool. You should use the Hero's Journey because it is based on thousands of years of human storytelling.

It provides a way to connect with readers from all different walks of life.

This is why stories about fantastical creatures from imaginary worlds can forge deep emotional connections with audiences. Hollywood knows this, and its best studios take advantage. As an example, The Lord of the Rings, by J. R. R. Tolkien, contains mythical creatures like elves and hobbits. Yet it is Frodo's heroic journey of sacrifice and courage that draws us to him like a magnet.

Learn how to easily apply the Hero's Journey 12 Steps to your books in this post. Tweet this

Hero's Journey Examples

Learning these concepts one-by-one is certainly useful, but might not help you see the power in a well-told, well-structured Hero's Journey story.

In order to really master the Hero's Journey, you can explore popular books and films that use these steps and archetypes with expert artistry.

These three examples were a turning point in my writing career while studying the Hero's Journey:

Example #1: Star Wars

Perhaps the most obvious Hero's Journey example, Star Wars contains a feast of archetypes and structural choices that will help us see Campbell's work in action.

As an appetizer, I explore some Hero's Journey essentials in Star Wars in its own post. In it, I discuss topics like the ways Luke Skywalker is an ideal Hero, and how on his journey, Luke faces the villainous Darth Vader, the story's Shadow . And who could forget the mysterious supernatural aid: Luke's Mentor , Obi-wan?

Whether you love or hate George Lucas's space opus (and/or what Disney has done with it since 2012), the films of the Star Wars universe are excellent examples to study and learn from.

Learn more: Discover ALL the ways Star Wars uses archetypes here!

Example #2: Toy Story

Few Hollywood studios regularly utilize the Hero's Journey to incredible effect more than Pixar. In its first outing, Toy Story, Pixar successfully told two Hero's Journeys for both Sheriff Woody and Buzz Lightyear. In subsequent sequels, it would recapture the magic, taking its cowboy protagonist along a sequence of heroic steps that resonant with the human experience.

For example, Woody begins in an Ordinary World in which he comfortably runs Andy's bedroom; he's Called to Adventure when a new toy arrives and challenges him for the role of Andy's favorite toy; and he Refuses the Call by choosing a crooked path, in which he attempts to have Buzz knocked into a corner where Andy won't find him.

As you can imagine, the story continues from there, with Woody and Buzz split between two worlds, and our heroes choices seem to perfectly follow the Hero's Journey as they attempt to reunite with Andy and forge a relationship that isn't purely antagonistic.

Beloved by generations of audiences, Toy Story is an ideal work to focus on as we study Campbell's work.

I ‘ll breakdown the Hero's Journey Twelve Steps in this iconic film in a future post.

Example #3: The Hunger Games

The dystopian genre is filled with unlucky heroes who realize that their worlds are broken, only to rise up against invincible forces. In one of the most popular of these stories, Suzanne Collins's The Hunger Games, follows a dirt-poor girl on a quest to unseat a tyrant and bring justice to Panem. As you certainly expected, The Hunger Games is a perfect case study of the power of myth to bring a fantastic world into stark reality.

For example, Katniss Everdeen, the story's hero, follows in the footsteps of many other protagonists by bearing a Magic Weapon, or object that seems to heighten the hero's powers and reveal his/her greatness.

Once out of her comfort zone, she endures numerous Tests and Trials, including the lengthy Task of surviving the Hunger Games themselves. Along the way she enters a Belly of the Beast, or cave, where she must nurse her partner Peta back to health. And in the story's gripping conclusion, Katniss must survive an onslaught of Creatures of Nightmare as the “Mutts” swarm the Cornucopia where she and Peta must make their last stand.

These situations, symbols, and more appear all throughout the Hunger Games trilogy, and I'll share exactly how these Hero's Journey essentials apply in a future post.

Additional Examples of The Hero's Journey

These three stories are by no means the only examples of the monomyth executed to perfection. Some other stories great for analyzing the Hero's Journey could include:

The Lord of the Rings, by J.R.R. Tolkien
Harry Potter, by J.K. Rowling
Pixar's Ratatouille
Pixar's WALL-E
Back to the Future
The Great Gatsby
Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen
Alien and Aliens (directed by Ridley Scott and James Cameron, respectively)

BONUS! Additional Hero's Journey Resources

Applying the Hero's Journey steps to your story will connect with readers on a human level. However, that's not the only insight you can learn from the Hero's Journey. If you're up for it, learn more about why the Hero's Journey touches readers with these bonus essentials.

Hero's Journey Character Archetypes

Every story begins with great characters, and the Hero's Journey is the study of recurring character types , known as archetypes.

A character archetype is a character type that serves a specific role in a story and tends to reoccur in myths, legends, and stories across genres, cultures, and time periods.

In order to be properly utilized, a character archetype must fulfill its set purpose while exhibiting new, innovative traits. There are several important character archetypes used in heroic storylines—especially these five: hero, shadow, loyal retainer, mentor, and threshold guardians.

Learn more: Hero's Journey Character archetypes that will make your story awesome

5 Hero's Journey Symbols to Use

A Hero's Journey Symbol, also known as a symbolic archetype , is an object, location, or image in a story that contains more than one functional meaning. It has both a physical meaning in the story world and a thematic meaning for the reader to interpret.

Within your Hero's Journey scenes and relationships, you can use objects and small events to add even more thematic significance to your story.

Read more about five effective Hero's Journey symbols here:

1. “Light vs. Darkness” Symbol

2. “Magic Weapon” Symbol

3. “Underworld” Symbol

4. “Castle” Symbol

5. “Unhealable Wound” Symbol

5 Hero's Journey Themes to Explore

A Hero's Journey Theme is a relationship between two opposite ideas or elements. Throughout the story, the pros and cons of each idea/element are explored, with the Hero making high stakes choices in the context of this conflict-filled relationship. The conclusions the reader comes to about this relationship are its themes.

Read about five favored Hero's Journey themes in these posts:

1. “Good vs. Evil” Thematic Relationship

2. “ Have n vs. Wildnerness” Thematic Relationship

3. “Nature vs. Machine” Thematic Relationship

4. “Father vs. Son” Thematic Relationship

5. “Sibling vs. Sibling” Thematic Relationship

It's Time to Tell Your Hero's Journey

Star Wars, Toy Story, and The Hunger Games are just three members of a near-limitless collection of stories, new and old, that use the Hero's Journey structure and archetypes to thrill readers.

The next, I hope, will be written by you!

Use the Hero's Journey Twelve Steps to outline, write, and/or edit your book—and touch all your readers on a human level.

Have you applied the Hero's Journey to your stories before? How did it go? Let us know in the comments .

There's no way to write a full Hero's Journey novel in just fifteen minutes. But you can plot out your next story according to the Hero's Journey, which is what I encourage you to do.

For today, spend fifteen minutes writing a story premise that (1) you're eager to write, and (2) you can use to outline the Hero's Journey. Then, if you're up for it, journal about how the twelve steps in the Hero's Journey could apply to this story idea.

Write your ideas in the Pro Practice Workshop here . When you're done, leave some feedback for your fellow writers, as well!

David Safford

You deserve a great book. That's why David Safford writes adventure stories that you won't be able to put down. Read his latest story at his website. David is a Language Arts teacher, novelist, blogger, hiker, Legend of Zelda fanatic, puzzle-doer, husband, and father of two awesome children.

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LESSON PLAN FOR ENGLISH TEACHERS

The hero’s journey.

Level: Intermediate (B1-B2)

Type of English: General English

Tags: literature and books describing people storytelling prefixes and suffixes 13-15 years old 16-18 years old Video talk Vocabulary and grammar

Publication date: 11/30/2023

In this lesson, students will watch a video showing how many famous stories follow the same pattern: the Hero’s Journey. They will first discuss some beloved book and film heroes, then watch the video and do some comprehension tasks on it. They will also study different types of prefixes, discuss their impressions of the video, and apply the theory to other stories, as well as to their own lives.

by Edward Alden

Linguahouse.com is in no way affiliated with, authorized, maintained, sponsored or endorsed by TED Conferences LLC.

Love this lesson material!

Eat, Teach, Slay

The hero’s journey unit.

I love teaching Greek mythology! I incorporate a variety of texts across different genres in this unit including fiction, drama, informational texts, YouTube video and movie clips, poetry, and comic books.

Introducing the Hero’s Journey

We start with the hero’s journey plot pattern archetype. I like to introduce it with this TedTalk . CommonLit.org also has an article about the hero’s journey that thoroughly introduces this plot pattern and provides examples from the Hobbit and Hunger Games. Either one can be used to introduce this plot pattern before starting the Odyssey. As we read the about various Greek hero’s we will make connections to how they complete these stages of the hero’s journey. I start off with the story of Perseus since it’s short. There are various free and paid versions out there. Some textbooks have it. My favorite version is a play in the book Greek Mythology for Teens: Classic Myths in Today’s World (ISBN: 1593637179) . #ad I assign parts in class and students love reading their parts. Afterwards we compare it Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief #ad (I show the trailer and scenes from the movie that can be compared to Perseus).

To check for student’s understanding about the hero’s journey I have them do a presentation project. I put them in pairs or small groups. Each group picks a book or movie that has a hero in it. They create a Google Slide presentation showing how that hero completes each stage of the hero’s journey in that book or movie. I approve all book/movie choices before they begin and ensure that no group has the same one. It’s a multimedia presentation- they should include texts, images (or animated gifs), and video clips (or even add music). They present these to the class.

Before We Read The Odyssey

Before we read the Odyssey there is some background knowledge that students will need to know. Commonlit.org has a great article about Greek Society that explains how Greek society was structured covering: classes, women, children and adolescents, laborers, slaves, and foreigners. It was a provide background knowledge while practicing reading nonfiction skills with an informational texts. We apply this knowledge as we read the Odyssey, making connections between these texts from different genres. This is a great way to cover multiple standards in one unit! Would you rather show a video then have them read this informational text? This YouTube video also explains the basics of Greek Society.

I like to introduce and summarize the Trojan War with a fun play adaptation called Meet the Olympians by TPT seller ELA Alley . This play is a spoof about the Trojan War while poking fun at Twilight, American Idol, Michael Jackson, 300, and wrestling. It provides a great introduction to the Greek gods and goddesses, introduces the idea of don’t anger the gods, and sums up the Trojan War. I assign parts to students in class to read aloud. If we have time, we might act it out as well. Students love it! It’s hilarious and a great introduction to Greek mythology and story telling!

We continue our talk about the Trojan war by examining two poems written in different time periods about Helen of Troy. I introduce Helen of Troy with the Shmoop Video and students take notes in their Interactive Notebook. We compare her origin story to that of Perseus: like Perseus she is a demigod whose father is Zeus. Next we read over two poems about Helen of Troy written in different time periods by different authors: “ To Helen” by Edgar Allan Poe (1845) and “ Helen” by Hilda Doolittle (1924) . We will annotate the poems, answer short answer questions comparing and contrasting the central theme in the poems, and analyze literary devices and figurative language.

This TedTalk, Everything you need to know to read Homer’s “Odyssey” – Jill Dash , explains important concepts before we read the Odyssey such as in medias res and xenia. It also introduces Homer and this tradition of Greek oral story telling. I have students take notes in their interactive notebook as we watch it.

As We Read The Odyssey

We read the graphic novel version by Gareth Hinds. They love it! It’s usually their favorite text our of everything we read. The illustrations really help them understand what’s happening and the time period it takes place in. As they read I have them take notes about the themes and the role of xenia throughout the story. They also take notes about how Odysseus completes the hero’s journey. I assign sections ahead of time that they read on their own and then we discuss it and their notes in class. We examine the images as well as the words. I will show sections of the 1997 TV miniseries so we can compare how it was adapted for film (I usually show the cyclops scene). We discuss the differences between the comic and film medium and how it impacts the story telling. We also discuss how this is an ancient story being retold in multiple mediums today and why we still relate to this story and it’s hero.

Hero's Journey: A Guide to Becoming The Hero Of Your Story

What will your story be.

Be the hero of your story . It’s common advice from motivational speakers and life coaches, a call to arms to take centre stage and tackle life’s challenges head-on, to emerge victorious in the face of adversity, to transform through hardship.

As humans, hardwired to view the world and share experiences through the medium of stories, myths often act as powerful motivators of change. From ancient cave paintings to the Star Wars and its Death Star to Harry Potter and his battle against evil, the hero’s journey structure is a familiar one. It’s also one you need to know if you want to know how to write a book , but I digress.

This article will outline the stages, and psychological meaning, of the 12 steps of Joseph Campbell’s hero’s journey. So, are you ready to become the hero of your story? Then let the adventure begin...

Who is Joseph Campbell?

Joseph Campbell was an American professor of literature at Sarah Lawrence College, and an expert of mythology that once spent five years in a rented shack, buried in books for nine hours each day. His greatest contribution is the hero’s journey, outlined in his book The Hero with A Thousand Faces . Campbell was able to synthesise huge volumes of heroic stories, distilling a common structure amongst them.

Near the end of his life, Campbell was interviewed by Bill Moyers in a documentary series exploring his work, The Power of Myth .

Throughout their discussion, Campbell highlighted the importance of myth not just in stories, but in our lives, as symbols to inspire us to flourish and grow to our full potential.

How is the hero’s journey connected to self development?

You might be wondering what storytelling has to do with self-development. Before we dive into the hero’s journey (whether that is a male or a female hero’s journey), context will be useful. Joseph Cambell was heavily inspired by the work of Carl Jung, the groundbreaking psychologist who throughout his life worked on theories such as the shadow, collective unconscious, archetypes, and synchronicity.

Jung’s greatest insight was that the unconscious is a vast, vibrant landscape, yet out sight from the ordinary conscious experience. Jung didn’t only theorize about the unconscious; he provided a huge body of work explaining the language of the unconscious, and the way in which it communicates with the conscious mind.

The nature of the unconscious

Due to its vast nature, the unconscious doesn’t operate like the conscious mind, which is based in language, logic, and rationality. The unconscious instead operates in the imaginal realm — using symbols and meaning that take time to be deciphered and understood consciously. Such symbols surface in dreams, visualizations, daydreams, or fantasies.

For Jung, the creative process is one in which contents of the unconscious mind are brought to light. Enter storytelling and character development — a process of myth-making that somehow captures the truth of deep psychological processes.

Campbell saw the power of myth in igniting the unconscious will to grow and live a meaningful life. With that in mind, his structure offers a tool of transformation and a way to inspire the unconscious to work towards your own hero’s journey.

The 12 steps of the hero’s journey

The hero’s journey ends where it begins, back at the beginning after a quest of epic proportions. The 12 steps are separated into three acts:

departure (1-5)
initiation (5-10)
return (10-1)

The hero journeys through the 12 steps in a clockwise fashion. As Campbell explains:

“The usual hero adventure begins with someone from whom something has been taken, or who feels there is something lacking in the normal experience available or permitted to the members of society. The person then takes off on a series of adventures beyond the ordinary, either to recover what has been lost or to discover some life-giving elixir. It’s usually a cycle, a coming and a returning.”

Let’s take a closer look at each of the steps below. Plus, under each is a psychological symbol that describes how the hero’s journey unfolds, and how when the hero ventures forth, he undergoes an inner process of awakening and transformation.

1. The ordinary world

The calm before the storm. The hero is living a standard, mundane life, going about their business unaware of the impending call to adventure. At this point, the hero is portrayed as very, very human. There could be glimpses of their potential, but these circumstances restrict the hero from fulfilling them. Although well within the hero’s comfort zone, at this stage, it’s clear something significant is lacking from their life.

Psychological symbol

This is represented as a stage of ignorance, pre-awakening. Living life by the status quo, on other people’s terms, or simply without questioning if this is what you want. At this point life is lived, but not deeply satisfying.

2. Call to adventure

Next is a disruption, a significant event that threatens the ways things were. This is a challenge that the hero knows deep down will lead to transformation and change, and that the days of normality, “the way things are,” are numbered. The hero confronts the question of being asked to step into their deeper potential, to awaken the power within, and to enter a new, special world.

Many of us embark on inner-journeys following hardship in life — the death of a loved one, the loss of a job, physical or mental illness. This stage occurs when it becomes apparent that, to move through suffering, one has to look within, to adventure into the soul.

3. Refusal of the call

No compelling story would be complete without friction. The hero often resists this call to adventure, as fear and self-doubt surface at full force, and the purpose of this new life direction is questioned. Can the reluctant hero journey forth? Do they have the courage?

The only way to grow and live a deeply fulfilling life is to face the discomfort of suffering. Campbell himself once said: “ The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek .” At this stage, fears, and anxieties about delving deep into the psyche arise. The temptation is to remain blissfully ignorant, to avoid discomfort, and to stay in your familiar world.

4. Meeting a mentor

As the hero faces a crisis of confidence, a wise mentor figure appears.

This character offers inspiration, guidance, or understanding that encourages the hero to have the self-belief to start this new adventure. In many stories, a mentor is someone else who has embarked on the hero’s journey, or someone who attempted, and failed. This person reflects the importance of this mission, reminding the hero their calling far exceeds their fear.

When the journey of exploration has to begin, people or situations enter your life at just the right time, guiding you in the right direction. This could be a close friend, a peer, a professional, such as a coach or therapist, or even a fictional character in a film or book. In most cases, these are chance encounters that contain a sense of knowing before the hero leaves on his or her adventure.

5. Crossing the threshold

This is a pivotal moment in the hero’s journey, as the initiation begins. This occurs when the hero fully commits to their quest, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual. This is the point of no return, where the reluctant hero embarks on their adventure, and has accepted that the way things were must change. The hero enters a new zone, one in which the call to adventure must be accepted. The hero’s resolve is hardened, and they understand they have a responsibility to confront what is ahead of them.

Whatever your life was before the call to action, this is a crossroads which is accepted, knowing your life may never be the same. This is a point of empowerment, where you realize that journeying within will lead you to greater self-understanding, even if those insights will dramatically change your life direction.

6. Test, allies, enemies

Now the hero has ventured outside of their comfort zone, the true test begins. This is a stage of acclimatizing to unknown lands. Unknown forces work against them, as they form bonds with allies who join them along the way, or face formidable enemies or encounters that have to be conquered. Throughout this testing time, the hero will be shaped and molded through adversity, finding deeper meaning in their life and mission.

Once the journey of self-discovery is underway, the initial burst of inspiration might be tested by the difficulty of the task. You might meet people who are able to offer advice or guide you, or those who reflect areas of yourself you have to work on.

Often, these are inner experiences, in the forms of memories, emotions, or outward tests, such as difficult circumstances that challenge your resolve and commitment to your new life direction.

7. Approach to the inmost cave

Having already crossed the threshold into the unknown and the uncertain, having faced obstacles and enemies, and having begun to utilize their qualities along the way, the next stage is another threshold.

This is the beating heart of the hero’s challenge, where again self-doubt and fear can arise, as another threshold has to be crossed. This is often a period of respite, giving the hero time to pause and reflect. Will the hero make the leap?

The hero’s journey has ups and downs. There may be quick wins in the beginning — your new life direction may go well, or inner-work may lead you to a new place of calm or confidence. But then, out of nowhere, comes an even bigger challenge, surfacing as a question mark to the person you’ve become. Life often has a way of presenting the right challenges at the right time…

This is the life-or-death moment. This can be a meeting with an ultimate enemy or facing the hero’s deepest fear. There is an awareness that if the hero fails, their new world, or their life, could be destroyed.

Everything the hero has fought for up to this point, all the lessons learned along the journey, all the hidden potentials actualized, will have to be utilized to survive this supreme ordeal, for the hero to be victorious. Either way, the hero will undergo a form of death, and leave the ordeal forever changed.

There are inner challenges that have to be confronted on the journey of self-discovery. This might be in the form of trauma that has to be confronted and healed, people with whom you have to have difficult conversations, or fears you have to face, actions that in the past you never thought you’d be capable of. But, with the skills you’ve learned along the way, this time you’ll be ready. But it won’t be easy.

9. Reward (seizing the sword)

Through great adversity comes triumph. Having confronted their greatest fear, and survived annihilation, the hero learns a valuable lesson, and is now fully transformed and reborn — with a prize as a reward.

This object is often symbolized as a treasure, a token, secret knowledge, or reconciliation, such as the return of an old friend or lover. This prize can assist in the return to the ordinary world — but there are still a few steps to come.

When confronting deep inner fears or challenges, you are rewarded with deep insights or breakthroughs. That might be in the form of achieving a significant goal or inwardly having a sense of peace or reconciliation with your past, or moments that have previously felt unresolved. As a spiritual process, this may also be the realization that behind suffering and pain lies freedom or inner peace.

10. The road back

Having traveled into distant, foreign lands and slain the dragon, now it’s time for the hero to make their return journey. This stage mirrors the original call to adventure and represents another threshold.

The hero may be understanding their new responsibility and the consequences of their actions, and require a catalyst to make the journey back to the ordinary world with their prize.

The hard work has been done, the ultimate fear confronted, new knowledge found. Now, what’s the next step? For many, the initial stages of growth come with a period of renunciation or are symbolized by an outward journey away from home, or away from familiarity.

Then comes the stage of returning to familiarity, or the things left behind — be it family, friends, locations, or even behaviors that were once loved and sacrificed during the journey.

11. Resurrection

When it appears the hero is out of the woods, there comes a final confrontation — an encounter with death itself. Transformed inwardly and with a personal victory complete, the hero faces a battle that transcends their individual quest, with its consequences far-reaching, for entire communities or even humanity itself.

This purification solidifies the hero’s rebirth, as their new identity fully emerges just in time to return to the ordinary world.

In Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, self-actualization is secondary to self-transcendence. In other words, once inner battles have been faced, and the alchemy of psychological transformation is underway, the next stage is to apply the newfound insights and knowledge to a bigger cause — supporting others, or standing up a mission that will benefit the wider world.

12. Return with the elixir

Following the final battle, the hero finally returns home. By now, personal transformation is complete, they’re returning home a different person. Having faced indescribable hardship, the hero returns with added wisdom and maturity. The elixir is the treasure they’ve returned with, ready to share with the ordinary world. This could be a sense of hope, freedom, or even a new perspective to assist those originally left behind.

The hero has a new level of self-awareness, seeing the ordinary world through fresh eyes. They’ve left internal conflict behind. There’s an understanding that things will never be the same, but that the hero’s journey was part of their destiny.

Then comes the ultimate prize: a final reconciliation, acceptance from the community, celebration, redemption. Whatever the prize, there are three elements: change , success , and proof of the journey .

Following a transformative psychic process, there’s an understanding of what is within your control. The “ordinary world” may have many elements that remain the same, but this is accompanied by a realization that when you change, so does your reality. Previously modes of thinking may be replaced, as bridges are built with your past, giving opportunity for a renewed approach to life.

What can we learn from the hero's journey?

At the time of writing this article, I’m in the UK visiting my family for the first time in 18 months. As I walked down paths I’d walked throughout my childhood, I was struck by how much I’ve changed over the years. A passage from T.S Eliot’s poem Little Gidding came to mind:

“We shall not cease from exploration. And the end of all our exploring. Will be to arrive where we started. And know the place for the first time.”

I reflected on the notion of coming full circle — to begin a journey, outwardly or inwardly, before finding yourself back at the beginning, transformed. In spiritual traditions, the circle is a powerful symbol of timelessness, death and rebirth, totality, and wholeness. Aptly, the 12 steps of the hero’s journey are depicted as a circle. It’s not a coincidence.

What can we learn from the hero’s journey? In a way, it is similar to the writer’s journey. Above all else, it’s a reminder that we each within us have a purpose, a quest and a mission in this life that can and will invoke our truest potential. The path isn’t easy — there are many, many challenges along the way. But at the right time, people and situations will come to our aid.

If you’re able to confront the mission head-on and take bold steps along the way — just like all the heroes of fiction before you, from Shakespeare’s characters to Luke Skywalker and Rey from the universe brought to us by George Lucas — then you will be transformed, and then you can return to where you started, reborn, ready to share your gifts and your lessons with the world.

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Expecting mothers can't help but have secret expectations for their future little one. It's only human. You have this little soul inside you, kicking and growing until they are ready to come into the world. Pregnancy is filled with emotions! You picture their life. You wonder what they will look like and who they will be.

Then, there's the morning sickness, the soreness, the weight gain and the dreaded pain of birth. But in the end it's all worth it, to meet your tiny person. Finally you meet them, you hold them for the first time, their little body resting on your chest.

Now imagine your newborn being ripped from your arms and rushed into an emergency procedure. Now imagine that exact feeling 58 more times, and you can begin to understand the heartbreaking reality of one mother and her 6-year-old son, Keyjuan Andrew.

This 6-Year-Old Boy Has Spent Half His Life In Hospitals

Since his birth, Keyjuan Andrew, 6, has spent much of his young life within the sterile walls of hospitals. As a baby, his first moments were spent under the glare of operating lights, while his mother, Jessica Krentowski and family waited with bated breath.

Growing up with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome has meant enduring numerous medical procedures — 58 to be exact — and a total of 15 surgeries. It's a journey that most adults would find grueling, but Keyjuan has faced each step with courage and resilience.

Despite these challenges, Keyjuan has miraculously kept his childlike sense of wonder. He has become a familiar face among the doctors and nurses who have cared for him, often bringing smiles with his bright energy. He has made friends with other young patients, sharing his stories and uplifting those around him. Though much of his life has been spent in hospitals, he hasn't let it diminish his joy for life.

On Patrol with Officer Keyjuan For A Day

"What do you want to be when you grow up?" is a question nearly every kid has an answer to. Common responses are firefighter, ballerina, president, and, of course, police officer. For Keyjuan Andrew, becoming a police officer was his ultimate dream, and thanks to the Lynwood Police Department, that dream came true.

In a special ceremony, Keyjuan was officially sworn in as an honorary officer, a moment he had long anticipated. The ceremony was filled with applause and admiration as Keyjuan stood proudly in his new uniform. As part of his day as an honorary officer, he was given the chance to go on patrol with Lynwood Police Chief Gregory Thomas.

With his badge pinned to his chest and a smile on his face, Keyjuan rode along in the police car, his eyes wide with excitement. The officers treated him like one of their own, explaining their work and sharing the values of their profession. It was an unforgettable experience that left Keyjuan beaming and inspired their entire community.

Watch Keyjuan Andrew's Video:

Redefining expectations and embracing hope.

When expecting parents discuss the future, they often say that their hopes for their baby are simple: "Boy, girl, it doesn't matter, as long as the baby is healthy." These words reflect the profound truth that good health is the foundation upon which all other dreams are built. But what happens when those dreams are challenged by a diagnosis that changes everything?

Keyjuan Andrew's story serves as a poignant reminder that the path to parenthood — and to a fulfilling life — isn't always straightforward. Despite facing a condition that brought countless medical procedures and surgeries, Keyjuan and his family have found strength in the moments of joy and courage in the face of uncertainty. They have shown that while health is a crucial part of the journey, it isn't the only source of dreams.

Through the loving support of family and community, Keyjuan has accomplished remarkable things that go far beyond a simple definition of health. His induction as an honorary police officer wasn't just a ceremony — it was a testament to his resilience, a celebration of a young boy's spirit, and a symbol of hope for everyone around him.

Keyjuan's story inspires us to broaden our expectations and embrace the unexpected. He has proven that even in the face of overwhelming medical challenges, life can be filled with purpose, laughter, and hope. His journey reminds us that while we may start with certain expectations, the real magic happens when we find joy in the most unexpected places. The measure of a child's life isn't just their health; it's the courage, love, and hope they bring to the world.

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Marlena Karbowski, is the Liverpool banker who found herself sucked into a modern-day love story — with a dark twist.

Elderly Woman Was Going to Sell Her Home for Her Mystery “Boyfriend”

It all began when a sweet elderly woman entered the Westpac branch Karbowski worked at. But despite appearances, Karbowski couldn't help but notice there was something suspicious about this woman.

When the client (who remained anonymous) approached Karbowski's desk, she revealed her shocking intentions for showing up that day and it instantly raised a red flag for Karbowski. This elderly client had suddenly decided she wanted to sell her home and cancel her Westpac home insurance.

Even though Karbowski didn't know what exactly was going on, one thing was absolutely clear. The elderly woman – who had been a loyal Westpac client for years and did not have a diverse history of investing — was acting out of character. The only question was what — or who — was making her act so irrationally?

When Karbowski probed further, she received a vague answer from her client about "helping her son." But this surface-level explanation didn't satisfy Karbowski. Her instincts kicked in so she delved deeper. Finally, during a private conversation with her client, the dark truth hidden beneath the surface was revealed.

Her Gut Instinct Knew There Was More to This Story

"I asked her to send me photos of the guy and I put them into a Google reverse image search. There were so many different pictures of this guy, one was of a model somewhere in America, so then we knew it was a scam,” recounted Karbowski.

After a brief investigation, Karbowski discovered the elderly woman's true mission. She was seeking funds to secure her "boyfriend's" release from imprisonment overseas. The only way she knew how to get the money was to sell her home. Karbowski calmly asked to see photos of her alleged online beau. It didn't take the tech-savvy Karbowski much time to discover a disturbing pattern.

Her “Guardian Angel” Rescued Her in the Nick of Time

A reverse Google search heartbreakingly revealed that this mysterious "boyfriend" was not who he said he was. Many of the photos the woman had received from her purported beau were found online, stolen from other people's accounts with different names. When Karbowski realized her client had already negotiated the sale of her home, she felt sick to her stomach.

Due to the immediate nature of the matter, Karbowski made it her number one priority to save this elderly woman from homelessness. Fortunately, the settlement of the property was still one week away so her elderly client still had time to cancel the sale of her house. But she wasn't finished with her just yet.

Hand-in-hand Karbowski walked her client over to the Liverpool Police Station. She encouraged her to report the crime, ensuring that the necessary steps were taken to protect her client from further harm.

As Marlena Karbowski spoke to the elderly woman, a single question made the whole puzzle come into focus. With a gentle, unassuming voice, Karbowski asked, “When was the last time he took you out for coffee?” The silence that followed was more revealing than any words could be. The elderly woman’s eyes flickered with the painful realization that she had never actually met her "boyfriend" in person. In that moment, it all became clear to both of them.

"We cried together. We care and when we see those red flags, we act.” - Marlena Karbowski

Karbowski knew this was the turning point. It wasn’t just about money or property; it was about unraveling the emotional manipulation and lies that had ensnared her client. The air in the room grew heavier as they sat together, acknowledging the gravity of the situation. Karbowski offered a comforting presence as the elderly woman processed the truth, tears welling in her eyes.

This simple question was the key to unlocking a story of betrayal that had been expertly woven by the scammer. Karbowski's instincts had paid off, and she was ready to guide her client through the difficult steps that would follow.

Do You Think a Loved One Is Involved in a Romance Scam? Here Are a Few Simple Tips:

Trust Your Instincts : Sometimes, our gut feelings speak louder than words. If something feels off, don't ignore it.
Ask Probing Questions: Delve deeper into their story with gentle inquiries that encourage honesty and reflection.
Verify Information: Empower them to verify the identity of their online partner through simple checks and searches.
Seek Support: Let them know they're not alone. Connect them with resources and support networks that offer guidance and assistance.
Report Suspicious Activity: If you suspect foul play, don't hesitate to reach out to the authorities or financial institutions for help. Together, we can protect our loved ones from the pitfalls of online deception.

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Hero’s Journey Worksheet Explaining the Monomyth

NOTE TO TEACHERS: Click here to download TWM’s Hero’s Journey Worksheet for movies that are works of fiction . Adapt this movie worksheet for the needs and abilities of the class.

This worksheet will help students trace the stages and identify the archetypes of the Hero’s Journey/Monomyth. It is based on the ideas of Carl Jung and Joseph Campbell, as developed and applied to film by Chris Vogler. The stages and archetypes of the Hero’s Journey set out below have been adapted from Vogler’s book The Writers Journey: Mythic Structure for Writers, 3rd Edition .

There are several formulations of the stages of the Hero’s Journey. One way to approach teaching the Hero’s Journey is to have students find at least two of the methods on the Internet, one suggested by Campbell and the other by Vogler. Alow students to choose and apply the system of analysis that they prefer. This can be done in groups or individually. TWM has used Vogler’s stages and his description of the archetypes, however, the section on the stages can be easily adapted to Campbell’s configuration.

This worksheet is designed to be used in conjunction with TWM’s Stages and Archetypes of the Hero’s Journey — Introducing the Monomyth. TWM lesson plans on the story of the quest are listed at Literature Subject Index. Each contains notes on responses to the questions set out below and assignments relating to the use of the Journey/Monomyth in the form it takes in the movie. Teachers will observe that TWM focuses on finding the story of the quest in films other than action/adventures to demonstrate that the Monomyth can be found in many different types of stories.

Many of the suggested questions have no single correct answer. For these, an acceptable response will be one which is supported by facts and reveals that the student is thinking about the story.

Modify the worksheet as necessary for the grade and ability level of the class. A form of the worksheet in Microsoft Word suitable to be modified and distributed to students can be found at Word Processing Version of the Worksheet . Depending on the sophistication of the class and its prior exposure to the Hero’s Journey, teachers may want to distribute the worksheet and review it with the class before showing the film. This will allow students to refer to prompts or make notes while watching. Teachers may want to conduct a short class discussion relating to how the Journey applies to the movie before the class watches the film, leaving a full explication for discussion after the movie has been shown. After the movie and the full discussion, allow students, individually or in groups, to respond to the questions in the worksheet. Alternatively, at the end of a unit on the Hero’s Journey, students can be asked to fill out the worksheet before any discussion and the responses can be used as a summative assessment to evaluate students’ understanding of the Hero’s Journey and its archetypes.

HERO’S JOURNEY WORKSHEET

Answer the questions below on a separate sheet of paper. Each answer should consist of one properly constructed paragraph that is free standing and which explains the reasons for the answer. Each response should cite evidence from the story to support its conclusion. For example, a paragraph on the stage of the Ordinary World for the movie “The Wizard of Oz” might be: “In the ‘Wizard of Oz’ the Ordinary World is a farm in Kansas inhabited by a young and untested Dorothy Gale who dreams of an exciting colorful life in the world beyond the gray drudgery of the life she sees around her. Despite the fact that Dorothy loves her guardians, Auntie Em and Uncle Henry, the farm is a world that is unsuitable for Dorothy because it does not match Dorothy’s dreams. The Ordinary World becomes unbearable when Miss Gulch takes Toto, Dorothy’s beloved dog. This is the world to which a changed and self-assured Dorothy returns with the elixir of self-confidence.”

I. Write a short single-paragraph description of the Hero’s Journey described in this story. As you think about the story by responding to the other questions on this worksheet, you should feel free to revise your description of the journey.

II. For each stage of the Hero’s Journey describe the action of the film, if any, which manifests the stage. Specify the attributes of the stage to which these actions relate.

For any skipped stages, simply state that the stage is not contained in the quest shown in the film. Some stories of the Hero’s Journey appear to combine some of the stages. When that happens write one paragraph and indicate the stages to which it applies. The stages of the Hero’s Journey are briefly described below:

SECTION ONE — Introduction to Setting, Characters & Conflict

1. The Ordinary World;

2. The Call to Adventure;

3. Refusing the Call;

4. Meeting with the Mentor: and

5. Crossing the First Threshold.

SECTION TWO — Action, Climax, Triumph

6. Tests, Allies, and Enemies;

7. Approach to the Inmost Cave;

8. Ordeal; and

SECTION THREE — Resolution and Denouement

10. The Road Back;

11. Resurrection; and

12. Return with the Elixir.

III. Identify the archetypes of the Hero’s Journey that appear in the movie and, for each, describe the function it performs in telling the film’s story.

The following are the archetypes associated with the story of a quest.

1. The Hero;

2. The Mentor;

3. Threshold Guardians;

4. The Herald;

5. Shapeshifter;

6. The Shadow; and

7. The Trickster.

IV. Describe any other archetypes that appear in the story and the functions they perform.

1. The father;

2. The mother;

3. The Child; and

4. The Maiden.

The Hero's Journey

After exploring mythology and the concept of the monomyth, students will create an eBook identifying and explaining the events in the hero's journey in a text they are reading.

App: Wixie ™ or Share ™

You may have heard the story of the twelve trials of Hercules (Herakles) and maybe even the journey of Odysseus. You may have read or watched Harry Potter and The Sorcerer’s Stone or read comics like Superman or Spiderman. What do stories about ancient Greek heroes, wizards, muggles, and super heroes have in common?

While these tales may seem different, author Joseph Campbell claims they are all variations of the same story! In his 1949 book, The Hero with a Thousand Faces, Campbell outlines the monomyth, or archetypal journey, that all of these stories follow. In this project, you will learn the stages of the archetypal hero’s journey and decide for yourself if a story you are reading follows this cycle.

Begin this project by asking your students to brainstorm a list of heroes. Let them know that comic book superheroes, movie heroes, and famous people from history are acceptable options. Have students give a brief summary for each hero so that students who aren't familiar with this person or character have some information and background.

Discuss the qualities of a hero. What makes them heroic? Their character traits? The things that happen to them? How they respond to those events? All of the above? Ask students if they can identify similarities between different heroes on the list.

Introduce the idea of Joseph Campbell's monomyth, or hero's cycle, to your students. Campbell claims that most great heroes have taken the path of this hero's journey. Campbell's stages fall into three main areas of departure, initiation, and return, which are further broken down into 17 stages. Discuss the stages you want to use, such as:

Call to Adventure
Refusal of Call
Supernatural Aid/Mentor
Crossing the Threshold
Road of Trials
Death of Mentor
Battle with the Brother
Refusal to Return
Ultimate Reward
Master of Two Worlds

The hero cycle is prominent in Greek mythology. Choose a hero like Hercules, Jason, Odysseus, Perseus, or Theseus and walk students through the journey they took, identifying the various stages. Many of these heroes are referenced in popular literature and entertainment. As you explore the cycle, ask students to reflect on these modern connections.

Share Matthew Winkler's great TED-Ed video, What makes a hero?

Then, watch a modern movie and work as a class to determine how it follows the monomyth. You can take your inspiration from completed analyses of movies like Shrek , or start from scratch.

Here are some popular choices for a variety of ages and backgrounds.

Harry Potter
The Lion King
The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe
Wreck-it Ralph
The Wizard of Oz
The Princess Bride

Introduce the first part of the cycle and have the students identify the major areas of the story that show the cycle. You may want to model strategies for close reading as you explore a written myth or sample together.

Now it's time for students to practice close reading and identify the hero's journey in a different story.

Give students a list of books they can read to analyze for the use of the monomyth. Assign individual students a story, depending on their reading and maturity level. Here are a few examples at different reading levels, and you can find more titles with an online search like "hero's journey book list."

A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
Dragon Wings by Laurence Yep
Eragon by Christopher Paolini
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling
Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert O'Brien
Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan
The Dark is Rising by Susan Cooper
The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman
The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
The Princess Bride by William Goldman
The Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum

If you are using Wixie , students can use the Hero's Journey template to define each stage and identify it using examples from the text. They can add photos, images, and drawings to illustrate the event and record audio to summarize events. In addition to having conversations as they are working, have students turn in the first draft as a formative assessment you can use to gauge understanding and monitor progress.

If several students are reading the same book, have them share their work in small literature circles and discuss how they identified the stages. Allow students to revise and edit their work before turning in a second draft.

To create an opportunity to build comprehension and narrative writing skills, ask students make a new file in Share and write journal entries from the hero's perspective at each stage of the cycle. Encourage them to draw a scene of the event, including simple path animation if desired, and then record their voice as they share details of the events.

Have students publish their journal as an ePub file and share it using a service like iTunes or Dropbox. If you don’t have ready access to eReaders, you can also export work to PDF for easy sharing.

Have students present their findings to the rest of the class or with a partner. You might also have them present their work to another class to teach other students about the hero’s journey.

Begin by evaluating student ideas as you work to list heroes and identify similarities between them.

Examine students' analyses of a hero's journey to determine their comprehension of the big ideas as well as their skill at close reading of a text. Have they been able to identify a scene or passage specific to each stage in the cycle? If not, have they made an argument why a stage isn't evident?

Their journal entries will also help you assess comprehension and narrative writing.

Joseph Campbell. The Hero with a Thousand Faces ISBN: 1577315936

Christopher Vogler. The Writer's Journey: Mythic Structure For Writers ISBN: 193290736X

Myth Web: Heroes

Heroes of History: Thinkquest

What makes a hero? Matthew Winkler - TED-Ed

Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts - Grade 6

Reading: Literature

Key Ideas and Details

1. Cite textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.

3. Describe how a particular story’s or drama’s plot unfolds in a series of episodes as well as how the characters respond or change as the plot moves toward a resolution.

5. Analyze how a particular sentence, chapter, scene, or stanza fits into the overall structure of a text and contributes to the development of the theme, setting, or plot.

Speaking and Listening

Presentation of Knowledge and Ideas

5. Include multimedia components (e.g., graphics, images, music, sound) and visual displays in presentations to clarify information.

Text Types and Purposes

3. Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, relevant descriptive details, and well-structured event sequences.

Production and Distribution of Writing

6. Use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing as well as to interact and collaborate with others; demonstrate sufficient command of keyboarding skills to type a minimum of three pages in a single sitting.

ISTE NETS for Students 2016:

6. Creative Communicator Students communicate clearly and express themselves creatively for a variety of purposes using the platforms, tools, styles, formats and digital media appropriate to their goals. Students:

a. choose the appropriate platforms and tools for meeting the desired objectives of their creation or communication.

b. create original works or responsibly repurpose or remix digital resources into new creations.

c. communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively by creating or using a variety of digital objects such as visualizations, models or simulations.

d. publish or present content that customizes the message and medium for their intended audiences.

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Hero's Journey Lesson Plan
Infographics Lesson Plan
Design a Book Cover Lesson Plan
Informational text projects that build thinking and creativity
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Simple surveys and great graphs Lesson Plan
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Lesson: Character Scrapbook

Lesson: Artifact Interviews

What can your students create?

Lesson: Everyday Heroes

The art of digital storytelling

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Interactive digital worksheets for grades K-8 to use in Brightspace or Canvas.

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ELA Common Core Lesson Plans

Create Characters Lesson Plan
Creative Writing Lesson Plan: Using Details
How to Write a Cause and Effect Essay
How to Write a Conclusion for an Essay Lesson Plan
How to Write a Persuasive Essay
How to Write a Reflective Essay
How to Write an Article Critique and Review
How to Write an Introduction to an Essay
How to Write a Problem Solution Essay
Lesson Plan: Effective Sentence Structure
Lesson Plan: Improve Writing Style with Improved Sentence Structure
Logical Fallacies Lesson Plan with Summary & Examples
Teaching Active and Passive Voice
Teaching How to Revise a Rough Draft
Teaching Instructional Articles: How to Write Instructions
Teaching Word Choice: Using Strong Verbs
Using Imagery Lesson Plan
Writing for Audience and Purpose
Writing Transitions Lesson
Analyzing Humor in Literature Lesson Plan
Analyzing Shakespeare Strategies
Fun Reading Lesson Plan
How to Write a Literary Analysis.
How to Annotate and Analyze a Poem
Lesson Plan for Teaching Annotation
Literary Terms Lesson Plan
Literature Exemplars – Grades-9-10
Teaching Short Story Elements
Using Short Stories to Teach Elements of Literature
Bill of Rights Lesson Plan
Fun Ideas for Teaching Language
Comma Rules: How to Use Commas
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Effective Word Choice Lesson Plan
Fun Grammar Review Game or Vocabulary & Language Arts
Lesson Plans for Substitute Teachers and Busy English Teachers
Lesson Plan: Creating the Perfect Title
4.08 – Lesson Plan: Using Semicolons Correctly
Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement Lesson Plan
Sentence Combining Made Easy Lesson Plan
Strategies for Teaching Vocabulary
Using Tone Effectively Lesson Plan
4.12 – Word Choice Lesson Plan: Eliminate and Replace “To Be” Verbs
Using Voice in Writing Effectively Lesson Plan
Speaking & Listening
Teacher Guide Central

The Hero’s Journey Resource Page

Use these resources to complete the assignment on the Hero’s Journey in anticipation of reading The Odyssey.

Step 1: Watch this video on the Hero’s Journey. Fill out this attached notes page as you watch. You can print it out and write the notes or you can type the notes and then print it out. If you don’t have a printer, type in the notes, save it to a flash drive and bring it to class.

Step 2 : Go to the Think/Read/Write website . Follow the instructions. You must have access to a printer in order to save your work and complete your assignment. If you do not have a printer, simply write or type the categories and answers by hand. It’s a pain, so it’s worth the inconvenience of finding a computer with a printer (in the library, for example). That’s what I did with my example below. You are going to go through the interactive hero’s journey twice.

On the first time through, use information from a movie you’ve seen or a book you’ve read. Excellent examples include Harry Potter, Star Wars, Ender’s Game , The Hunger Games and Finding Nemo . Here’s a sample from Ender’s Game : Ender Wiggin Hero
On the second time through, create your own story. These will serve as the notes for a narrative you will write.
Bring both printouts to class.

Step 3 : Remember the notes you took on the hero’s journey from step 1? Remember the hero you created in step 2? You’re going to need both of those to finish step 3 in class. First we will discuss the hero’s journey, then we will apply the hero’s journey to books and movies you’re familiar with. Then you will get a chance to bring your hero to life. Even though Step 3 will be done in class, you still need to do Steps 4 and 5 below. In the meantime, enjoy this incredibly scary picture of Ender Wiggin.

Step 4: Be prepared to discuss the following questions when you come to class.

Why do you think the hero’s journey is a universal theme in stories from just about every period of history and just about every culture?
Can you think of examples from your personal life where the hero’s journey might apply?
In what ways are heroes today the same and different from specific heroes of literature and history?

Step 5: Don’t forget to comment on at least one of these questions using the Google Docs link I’ve provided.

Last Updated on October 20, 2017 by Trenton Lorcher

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Unraveling The Concept of The Hero’s Journey in Filmmaking

This podcast featuring christopher vogler opens up a lot of storytelling ideas..

Many great stories, whether told through the written word or on the silver screen, share a common thread—a hero's journey. The Hero's Journey is a narrative structure that has been a fundamental part of storytelling for centuries, and it continues to be a powerful tool in filmmaking.

One of my favorite screenwriting books is ' The Writer’s Journey ', which details Joseph Campbell's journey through storytelling and takes the writer's POV.

This was the first book I read on screenwriting and one of the best.

Christopher Vogler wrote the book, and he was recently on the Film Crux podcast talking about these concepts. So check out the podcast and we'll talk after.

What is the Hero's Journey?

'Star Wars'

I figured that after the podcast you may need a refresher on Joseph Campbell and his concept of The Hero's Journey. This not a new concept; it dates back to ancient mythology and has been used by countless cultures throughout history.

Campbell was a scholar of comparative mythology and wrote a book called "The Hero with a Thousand Faces." He identified a common pattern in myths and stories from around the world, a pattern he called the monomyth or the Hero's Journey .

The Hero's Journey is a template that outlines the stages a hero typically goes through in a story. While there may be variations and adaptations, the core structure remains consistent.

It begins with the hero's ordinary world, followed by a call to adventure, a journey into the unknown, encounters with allies and enemies, a transformation or revelation, and finally, a return to the ordinary world with newfound wisdom or gifts.

A Diagram of The Hero's Journey

The Hero's Journey Diagram

Wikipedia Commons

The Hero's Journey is often depicted as a circular diagram, with each stage connected to the next in a cycle. there are many different names for the story beats in the circle.

The image above is from Wikipedia.

Here's a linear representation of Campbell's idea with beats I use when writing.

Ordinary World : The hero's normal life before the adventure begins.
Call to Adventure : The hero receives a call to leave their ordinary world and embark on a journey.
Refusal of the Call : The hero hesitates or resists the call initially.
Meeting the Mentor: The hero encounters a mentor or guide who provides advice or assistance.
Crossing the Threshold : The hero commits to leaving the ordinary world and entering the unknown.
Tests, Allies, and Enemies : The hero faces challenges, makes allies, and encounters adversaries.
Approaching the Cave : The hero gets closer to the central challenge or conflict.
Ordeal : The hero faces a major test, often their most significant challenge.
Reward : The hero overcomes the ordeal and gains a reward or insight.
The Road Back: The hero begins the journey back to the ordinary world.
Resurrection : The hero faces one final, climactic challenge.
Return with the Elixir: The hero returns to the ordinary world, transformed, and brings something valuable back.

Examples of The Hero's Journey in Film

'The Matrix'

Warner Bros.

Many iconic films have embraced the Hero's Journey structure to great effect. Here are a few examples:

Star Wars : George Lucas drew heavily from Joseph Campbell's work when creating the Star Wars saga. Luke Skywalker's journey from a farm boy on Tatooine to a Jedi Knight follows the Hero's Journey pattern closely.
The Lord of the Rings : J.R.R. Tolkien's epic fantasy trilogy, adapted into films by Peter Jackson, showcases the Hero's Journey through Frodo's quest to destroy the One Ring.
The Matrix: The Wachowskis used the Hero's Journey to guide Neo's transformation from a computer hacker to "The One" who can save humanity.
The Wizard of Oz: Dorothy's adventure in the Land of Oz is a classic Hero's Journey, complete with a call to adventure, allies, adversaries, and a return home with newfound wisdom.

How Filmmakers Utilize the Hero's Journey

Creating Relatable Characters: One of the most significant advantages of the Hero's Journey in filmmaking is its ability to create relatable characters. Audiences connect with heroes who face challenges, make sacrifices, and experience personal growth. By following this narrative structure, filmmakers can craft characters that resonate with viewers on a deep emotional level.
Building Tension and Conflict: The Hero's Journey provides a built-in framework for tension and conflict. As the hero progresses through the various stages, they encounter obstacles, adversaries, and setbacks, keeping the audience engaged and invested in the story's outcome.
Engaging Audiences on an Emotional Level: The Hero's Journey is not just about physical challenges; it's also about the hero's internal journey. Filmmakers can use this structure to explore the hero's emotions, fears, and desires, allowing the audience to connect with the character on an emotional level.
Crafting Memorable Endings: The return of the hero to the ordinary world at the end of their journey often leaves a lasting impact on the audience. Filmmakers can use this moment to deliver powerful messages, resolutions, or open-ended conclusions that leave viewers thinking long after the credits roll.

Buckle Up For the Future of The No Film School Podcast

We're coming at you with new and improved updates for your filmmaking ears to hear and love..

Howdy, fellow No Film School Podcast fans.

We interrupt your regularly scheduled web surfing for a quick little update on what's in store for the future of the pod. Check out the video explainer below where our beloved host GG Hawkins breaks down what is in store, and stay tuned for our next episode featuring the screenwriter of Challengers Justin Kritzkes.

Eu phoria season three news? Beats me, but he probably met Zendaya at least once proabably.

No Film School Podcast Update

What are the best fantasy movies of all time, what are the best adventure movies of all time, get your horror feature funded with unknown nightmare, what is a the thematic echo in screenwriting, blackmagic camera app set to finally come to android, missing curb read this unreleased 'seinfeld' script, here’s everything you may have missed at nab 2024, do you know all these film and tv lighting terms, what are logical fallacies, packaging and the death of naked specs.

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Hero's Journey Lesson
Joseph Campbell's Hero's Journey: A Better Screenplay in 17 Steps
Hero's journey assignment
The Hero’s Journey: Examples of Each Stage
The Hero’s Journey Archetype: A Call to Adventure
The Hero's Journey Analysis Sheet by wildwesthumanities · Ninja Plans

VIDEO

Turning Goals into Quests
A Hero's Journey! 🔱 #percyjackson #disneyplus #rickriordan #walkerscobell #leahjeffries #viral
The Hero’s Journey and disintegration anxiety. #josephcampbell #herosjourney
The Hero's Journey
The Hero's journey
A Hero's Journey

COMMENTS

5.02 The Hero's Journey Assessment
Locate three stages of the hero's journey that are present in the text. Complete the graphic organizer using complete sentences and details from your selected short story. Step 3: USE THIS RUBRIC to make sure you are meeting all assignment requirements and finding three stages. Title of Short Story "Initiation" by Sylvia Plath The Hero ...
Teaching the Hero's Journey
Joseph Campbell's Hero's Journey is a narrative structure that describes the typical stages that a hero undergoes in a story. Following along with the arch, these are the 12 stages of the hero's journey. The Ordinary World: The hero begins in a normal, mundane world, often unaware of the adventure that awaits.
How to Teach the Hero's Journey
Step 3: Analyze Examples. Before diving into a more complex text, check for understanding using examples from well-known stories or films. Analyze a popular movie plot, working as a class to identify each stage of the Hero's Journey. Pause to discuss the significance of key moments and check for comprehension.
The Hero's Journey: Step-By-Step Guide with Examples
The Hero's Journey is a common story structure for modeling both plot points and character development. A protagonist embarks on an adventure into the unknown. They learn lessons, overcome adversity, defeat evil, and return home transformed. Joseph Campbell, a scholar of literature, popularized the monomyth in his influential work The Hero ...
Heroes and the Hero's Journey: Lessons and Activities for Your Next
The Hero's Journey: A Map of the Soul by Michael Meade: This book explores the hero's journey from a psychological and spiritual perspective. It is a great resource for teachers who want to help their students understand the hero's journey on a deeper level. The Hero's Journey: A Guide to Myth, Literature, and Life by David Fontana: This book ...
Teaching Joseph Campbell's The Hero's Journey
The Hero's Journey is a great technique for analyzing all kinds of stories--whether they be myths, legends, films, novels, short stories, plays, or even comic books. ... COMIC BOOK HEROES (PDF) This assignment asks students to analyze a comic book, looking for the heroic characteristics applied to a certain superhero. ...
The Hero's Journey: 12 Steps That Make Up the Universal Structure of
Step 7: Approach to the Inmost Cave. Eventually the Hero must arrive at the destination, and that destination is frequently a fortress, cave, or dungeon crawling with monsters, enemies, or traps. This will lead to the story's climax, but the best heroic journeys include a step before the big fight.
The hero's journey: ESL/EFL Lesson Plan and Worksheet
The hero's journey. In this lesson, students will watch a video showing how many famous stories follow the same pattern: the Hero's Journey. They will first discuss some beloved book and film heroes, then watch the video and do some comprehension tasks on it. They will also study different types of prefixes, discuss their impressions of the ...
The Hero's Journey Unit
Introducing the Hero's Journey. ... Students will learn how to login to the online textbook, use the assignment tools, and submit an assignment. E1.4(G) evaluate details read to determine key ideas: Introduce Helen of Troy with Shmoop Video and notes for Interactive Notebook. Info text about the Iliad War.
Hero's Journey: A Complete Guide to the Hero's Journey Steps
The hero's journey ends where it begins, back at the beginning after a quest of epic proportions. The 12 steps are separated into three acts: departure (1-5) initiation (5-10) return (10-1) The hero journeys through the 12 steps in a clockwise fashion. As Campbell explains:
PDF Final Project Assignment for the Hero's Journey Unit
Final Project Assignment for the Hero's Journey Unit English I Final Due Date: _____November 13, 2015 _____ As always, this assignment consists of an essay component, a visual component, and a presentation. The information we have covered and applied to our study of The Odyssey will now be applied to a contemporary hero. Your initial tasks: 1.
The Hero's Journey
Locate three stages of the hero's journey that are present in the text. Complete the graphic organizer using complete sentences and details from your selected short story. Step 3: USE THIS RUBRIC to make sure you are meeting all assignment requirements and finding three stages. Title of Short Story The Hero's Journey Stage Definition ...
Hero's Journey Worksheet Explaining the Monomyth
Adapt this movie worksheet for the needs and abilities of the class. This worksheet will help students trace the stages and identify the archetypes of the Hero's Journey/Monomyth. It is based on the ideas of Carl Jung and Joseph Campbell, as developed and applied to film by Chris Vogler. The stages and archetypes of the Hero's Journey set ...
Hero's Journey Lesson
The hero cycle is prominent in Greek mythology. Choose a hero like Hercules, Jason, Odysseus, Perseus, or Theseus and walk students through the journey they took, identifying the various stages. Many of these heroes are referenced in popular literature and entertainment. As you explore the cycle, ask students to reflect on these modern connections.
From Ordinary to Extraordinary: How To Write The Hero's Journey
The Hero's Journey is probably the most well-known of all story structures. Its origins can be traced back to ancient mythology, where heroes embarked on transformative quests, facing trials and triumphs. However, it was Joseph Campbell, the renowned mythologist, who popularised its use and study. In his seminal work, "The Hero with a ...
The Hero's Journey Resource Page
Use these resources to complete the assignment on the Hero's Journey in anticipation of reading The Odyssey. Step 1: Watch this video on the Hero's Journey. Fill out this attached notes page as you watch. You can print it out and write the notes or you can type the notes and then print it out. If you don't have a printer, type in the ...
Copy of 5.02 The Hero's Journey Assessment
Locate three stages of the hero's journey that are present in the text. Complete the graphic organizer using complete sentences and details from your selected short story. Step 3: USE THIS RUBRIC to make sure you are meeting all assignment requirements and finding three stages. Title of Short Story Initiation by Sylvia Plath The Hero' ...
5.02- The heros Journey Assessment.pdf
Read your selected short story. Locate three stages of the hero's journey that are present in the text. Complete the graphic organizer using complete sentences and details from your selected short story. Step 3: USE THIS RUBRIC to make sure you are meeting all assignment requirements and finding three stages.
Unraveling The Concept of The Hero's Journey in Filmmaking
The Hero's Journey is a template that outlines the stages a hero typically goes through in a story. While there may be variations and adaptations, the core structure remains consistent. It begins with the hero's ordinary world, followed by a call to adventure, a journey into the unknown, encounters with allies and enemies, a transformation or ...
2.3 Assignment the Hero's Journey.docx
Introduction and Background The film I used for this assignment is The Lion King[ CITATION All94 \l 1033 ]. The Lion King movie is a great example of a hero story. It perfectly follows John Campbells three stages of a hero's journey. "John Campbells three stages of a hero's journey are The Departure Act where the Hero leaves the Ordinary World, The Initiation Act where the Hero ventures ...
Copy of 5.02 The Hero's Journey Assessment
Read your selected short story. Locate three stages of the hero's journey that are present in the text. Complete the graphic organizer using complete sentences and details from your selected short story. Step 3: USE THIS RUBRIC to make sure you are meeting all assignment requirements and finding three stages.
The Heros Journey Assignment.docx
Erica Smith 1. What qualities does the hero possess that make them heroic according to Campbell's the Hero's Journey? I chose the move Aladdin for my assignment. Aladdin showed courage, determination and bravery during his quest to save the princess. All of these are strong qualities that a hero should possess to be heroic. 2.

Teaching the Hero’s Journey

Teaching the Hero’s Journey: the 12 Stages

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How to Teach the Hero’s Journey: Engaging Students with the Monomyth Story Structure

What defines a hero?

What Is the Hero’s Journey and Why Is It Important?

Why Teach the Hero’s Journey?

What Are the 12 Stages of the Hero’s Journey?

How to Teach the Hero’s Journey

What to Read When Teaching the Hero’s Journey?

Exciting Activities to Engage Students with the Hero’s Journey

Final Thoughts on Teaching the Hero’s Journey

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Hero's Journey 101: How to Use the Hero's Journey to Plot Your Story

Dan Schriever

What Is the Hero’s Journey?

#1: The Ordinary World

#2: The Call to Adventure

#3: Refusal of the Call

#4: Meeting the Mentor

#5: Crossing the First Threshold

#6: Tests, Allies, and Enemies

#7: Approach to the Inmost Cave

#8: The Ordeal

#9: Reward (Seizing the Sword)

#10: The Road Back

#11: Resurrection

#12: Return with the Elixir

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Teaching Joseph Campbell's The Hero's Journey

The Hero’s Journey: 12 Steps That Make Up the Universal Structure of Great Stories

Why I Love the Hero's Journey (And You Will, Too)

How to Use This Hero's Journey Post

Table of Contents: The Hero's Journey Guide

The Twelve-Step Hero's Journey Structure

A Guide to Structuring Your Hero's Journey

What Is the Hero's Journey?

Why the Monomyth Will Make You a Better Writer

Hero's Journey Examples

Example #1: Star Wars

Example #2: Toy Story

Example #3: The Hunger Games

Additional Examples of The Hero's Journey

BONUS! Additional Hero's Journey Resources

Hero's Journey Character Archetypes

5 Hero's Journey Symbols to Use

5 Hero's Journey Themes to Explore

It's Time to Tell Your Hero's Journey

David Safford

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Hero's Journey: A Guide to Becoming The Hero Of Your Story

Who is Joseph Campbell?

How is the hero’s journey connected to self development?

The nature of the unconscious

The 12 steps of the hero’s journey

1. The ordinary world

Psychological symbol

2. Call to adventure

3. Refusal of the call

4. Meeting a mentor

5. Crossing the threshold

6. Test, allies, enemies

7. Approach to the inmost cave

9. Reward (seizing the sword)

10. The road back

11. Resurrection

12. Return with the elixir

What can we learn from the hero's journey?