In this week’s Lectorial we explored the idea of ‘The Hero’s Journey’ in narrative storytelling, considering how this writing/storytelling tool is evident in most forms of narrative, from religious stories and ancient mythology to pop-culture products such as books, blockbuster films and interactive medias.
In this post I thought it would be interesting to further examine the presence of ‘The Hero’s Journey’ in a variety of narrative products. I will look at each ‘stage’ of the ‘Journey’ and use a variety of texts to clarify each one (hopefully this will reveal certain consistencies and patterns between all these different narratives – a ‘meta-story’ if you will). It should be noted that there are many variations in the number of ‘steps’ contained within ‘The Hero’s Journey’.
1. The Call to Adventure
The future hero lives a normal life, content with life in his/her known environment – their world is in equilibrium. However, they are soon offered a task or given a goal that requires them to leave the familiar world and embark upon an ‘adventure’. Bilbo Baggins lives a quiet life in Hobbiton until he is asked to join the Dwarfs in their quest. Harry Potter lives in the repressive Dursley household until he is told ‘You’re a Wizard Harry’.
2. Refusal of the Call
The hero often initially refuses the call, believing that they are not capable of partaking in the adventure, wishing to remain in the world of the familiar and comfortable. Aang (Avatar, the Last Airbender) refuses to take on the role of ‘the avatar’ – not wanting the responsibility, he flees his homeland. Bilbo believes that he cannot help the Dwarfs and claims he cannot join them. Eventually however, the hero will generally decide/be forced to accept the call.
3. Supernatural Aid
Once the hero accepts the call to adventure, a guide/mentor will often be introduced. This character may provide the hero with knowledge and physical items which will later become useful/important in the journey. Frodo is entrusted with the ‘one ring’ and given a sword and armour before embarking on the quest. In video game series’ such as ‘The Legend of Zelda’ the player (hero) is given a weapon as “it’s dangerous to go alone”.
4. Crossing the Threshold
The hero leaves the realm of the familiar, beginning the adventure and embarking upon the quest/journey. Bilbo exclaims “I’m going on an adventure” as he runs out of Hobbiton. Harry Potter takes his first trip on the Hogwarts Express. Luke Skywalker joins Obi Wan and leaves his home planet to rescue Princess Leia. Neo takes the red pill.
5. The Belly of the Whale
The hero must look inwards to understand themselves before they can face the physical trials that lie in their way. The hero emerges from the ‘belly’ in a ‘reborn’ state – ready for ‘The Road of Trials’. In the ‘Book of Jonah’ (from which this stage gets its name), Jonah is literally swallowed by a large fish in which he spends 3 days praying to God – he is released from the fish – with a new strength/purpose. To again use ‘The Hobbit’ as an example; Bilbo escapes Gollum’s cave with newfound courage.
6. The Road of Trials
A range of tasks or tests are presented to the hero, he/she will undergo development as the trials are completed (or sometimes failed). For instance: The labours of Hercules. The sequence of rooms which protect the Philosopher’s Stone in Harry Potter. This can even be seen in Documentary narratives: In ‘Man on Wire’, Philippe Petit and his team must overcome many problems before they can string a high-wire between the World Trade Centre towers.
7. The Meeting with the Goddess
The hero may experience a great love that has much power and significance. This may be key to the character’s growth. WALL-E meets EVE. Shrek meets Fiona. Harry Potter talks to his deceased parents.
8. Woman as Temptress
The hero will be faced with numerous temptations which may sabotage or delay the completion of their quest. These temptations may be love, money, safety, etc. They must be overcome before the hero can go on. Bilbo is tempted by an early return home. The ‘one ring’ tempts Frodo to abandon the quest to destroy it. A more literal approach: James Bond is distracted/tempted by basically any attractive female character…
9. Atonement with the Father
The centre point of the hero’s journey/quest. The hero must confront, and be initiated by whatever holds ultimate power in their life. Usually an act of faith, completed when the hero’s other tools have failed. A great example: Luke discovers that Vader is his father.
10. Apotheosis
This step allows the hero to (potentially) finally achieve their goal. This is often shown as death and rebirth, or as the learning of a crucial skill. Neo is seemingly killed, but he is ‘reborn’ with immense power (now being able to easily defeat Agent Smith). The Guardians of the Galaxy decide to sacrifice themselves to ensure peace. Gandalf fights to Balrog to protect the Fellowship’s safety – in doing so he is reborn as ‘Gandalf the White’.
11. The Return
The hero crosses the ‘return threshold’, entering back into the world which they left in the beginning of their journey. Often they bring back the knowledge/wisdom/resources which they have gained on their journey – to benefit their people. Bilbo returns to Hobbiton, bringing with him the treasures of his travels. Harry visits the Dursleys with greater confidence and a sense of belonging. Aang (Avatar, the Last Airbender) brings about an age of peace. Frodo also does this. The list goes on…
That’ll be all for this post. I’ll just leave you with a short video which should illustrate step 1 of ‘The Hero’s Journey’. It shows us a range of different ‘calls to adventure’ from a variety of films. Enjoy.