Hero’s Journey Template
We consider this format a very useful tool in the STORY WORK methodology we are using.
Joseph Campbell in Hero With a Thousand Faces (1949) explores the world’s myths, which, as he discovers, although originate in different cultures, in different times, share the same basic mythological template: the hero’s journey. Cambell has developed this notion, called also Monomyth, by which he proves that all myths (stories) express universal truths of life and thus the hero’s adventures described by them are almost the same in their format. Campbell's theory has inspired works of many modern writers and artists, as well as experts on storytelling.
“Though it’s been prevalent in stories since ancient times, the hero’s journey remains one of the most popular and best-loved storytelling formats.” (cf. Alex Herring, Using the Hero’s Journey to Share Your Brand Story).
Hero’s Journey can be divided into three stages, which in turn consist of 12 steps altogether.
Stages of the Hero's Journey
Stage 1: Departure (steps 1 -4) - the hero is preparing for his quest.
Stage 2: Initiation (steps 5-10) the hero is undertaking the quest
Stage 3: Return (steps 10 – 12) the hero is on his way back until he returns to his family/community
According to The Writer's Journey by Christopher Vogler, the 12 STEPS can be described in the following way
- Ordinary World: The period in the hero’s life before the adventure begins. It offers an insight into the character of the hero, which later will change as the story develops
- Call to Adventure: A problem or a challenge he needs to overcome forces the hero to undertake his adventure.
- Refusal of the Call: The hero tries not to begin the adventure because he is afraid, or he feels unprepared or inadequate.
- Meeting With the Mentor: The hero meets someone who gives him wise advice and prepares him for the journey ahead.
- Crossing the First Threshold: The hero leaves his ordinary world crosses the first threshold into adventure. This step also represents a choice the hero is making.
- Tests, Allies, Enemies: The hero learns the rules of his new world. He undergoes various tests (e.g. the test of strength of will), learns who is his friend and who is his enemy.
- Approach: The hero fails which makes him try a new approach or adopt new ideas. This is a lesson in persistence.
- Ordeal: The hero experiences a major obstacle, which he must overcome. Usually, he must fight for his life.
- Reward: After surviving the deadly danger, the hero accomplishes his goal/earns a reward. The hero is a changed person now, though he may not have realised it as yet.
- The Road Back: The hero’s return to his ordinary life begins. This might be a challenge as he is a different person now after all that he has experienced.
- Resurrection Hero: The hero must pass a final decisive test and he must use everything he has learned during his journey.
- Return With Elixir: The hero returns to the ordinary world bringing with him his knowledge or the "elixir" which he uses to help his community. This proves the success of his journey and transformation.
This storytelling template was introduced to us by Ms Agata Gorska in the webinar organised by the River//Cities Platform Foundation on the theme of story telling. (Read more) on 30 June 2020. We consider this format a very useful tool in the STORY WORK methodology we are using.
Read more on the topic: Hero’s Journey Agenda.