The hero’s journey

The Hero’s JourneyRL.8.9 – I can analyze how modern works of literature draw on themes from myths, traditional stories, or religious works.

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The Hero’s Journey in books & movies

• The Hobbit• Harry Potter• The Hunger Games• Alice in Wonderland• The Golden Compass• The Wizard of Oz• Eragon• The Lion King• The Odyssey

• The Never Ending Story

• A Wrinkle in Time• The Chronicles of

Narnia• Star Wars• The Gladiator• Spiderman• The Lord of the Rings• Shrek• Watership Down

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Hero’s environment, personal history, and something that is causing stress

1. The Ordinary World

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The hero must face the beginnings of change

The Call to Adventure

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Character may turn away (even briefly) or may express uncertainty

Refusal of the call

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Hero meets an experienced traveler who gives training, advice, etc., or the character finds courage from within.

Meeting with the Mentor

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Hero enters a new place with unfamiliar rules and values.

Crossing the Threshold

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Hero is tested and sort out allies and enemies.

Tests, Allies, and Enemies

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Hero prepares for major challenge.

Approach

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Hero confronts death or faces his greatest fear.

The Ordeal

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Hero takes possession of the treasure by facing death. There may be a celebration, but also danger of losing the treasure again

The Reward

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The hero is severely tested once more, he or she is purified by one last sacrifice, one more moment of death, but on a higher and more complete level.

The Resurrection

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The Hero must complete the journey to make sure the treasure is brought home

The Road Back

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Hero returns home or continues the journey, carrying some part of the treasure that has the power to transform the world.

Return with the Elixir