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The Hero’s Journey – Robert Holmes Page 1 of 7
Archetypes and the Hero's Journey BY ROBERT HOLMES
Psychologist Carl Jung believed that behind the scene of human life there lay archetypes: "constantly
repeating characters which occur in the dreams of all people and the myths of all cultures". Jung
suspected that these archetypes are a reflection of the universal human mind - that which we all
share in common. He went so far as to posit a "collective unconscious" that dug up repeating cycles
of story.
Author, mythologist and lecturer Joseph Campbell wrote a seminal work on the Journey of a Hero (1).
It was his opinion that there lay behind almost every story, one standard story, or legend that
carried all the basics of a story, and that story typified each of our lives. All stories utilise the story
ark: the rise and fall of the story. Stories have 3 main parts: the beginning – the departure, the
middle – the adventure and the end the return. Together Campbell called this the Hero’s Journey.
As a coach I am fascinated by the concept of an archetypal story, and read Campbell’s work
captivated by the stunning parallel with life seasons, turning points, critical decision points and the
narrative behind it all. In the diagram below, I outline the twelve stages of the journey,(1) and on the
inside of the circle detail the coaching steps each demands.
The Hero’s Journey – Robert Holmes Page 2 of 7
Let's look at these in a little more detail (2), adding in great coaching questions for each section. I am
indebted to Alvin Soon and his 2006 coaching blog for the insight for some of these questions.(3)
THE BEGINNING: Departure
1. Normal life. “There must be more than this!” the ordinary (or extraordinary) circumstances of
starting life. There may be miracles surrounding the parents, or a blessing, curse or signs. We have
limited awareness of the issues at stake, or our role in it.
Coaching questions: Are you ready? What is the “more” for you? You
have a destiny, a calling... can you hear it? Are you where you want to be?
2. The call. “What treasure do you seek?” Adventure comes knocking: this is the call to the unknown.
A messenger arrives, a portent calls, there is reluctance or suspicion. We experience increased
awareness of the need for change.
Coaching questions: What is the treasure you are after? What do you
value? What is your life’s vision? Is that worthy of you? What goals do you
have? How recently have you reviewed them?
3. Resistance. “The big push forward”. We falter, entertain fear and refuse the call. The adventure
turns to its negative. We go the other way. Boredom, hard work or circumstance wall the hero in.
The hero plays the victim and must find a way of escape.
Coaching questions: You are experiencing pain in your ordinary world,
will it push you forward? There is the pleasure of an adventure out there
for you, will you embrace it? What motivates you to move out of your
“story” into your “adventure”?
4. Overcoming. “Facing your fears.” The hero meets with some supernatural aid, assistance or
miracle. The hero is encouraged by a guru, wizard or mentor. The hero will need to choose a path,
talisman or artefact which will help them along the way.
The Hero’s Journey – Robert Holmes Page 3 of 7
Coaching questions: You will need to upload some confrontation skills for
what’s coming next. What movie, story, poem, artwork, concert or person
has recently touched you? Whose message has warmed your heart, whose
example has inspired you?
The boundary condition
We stand now at the edge of adventure, and on this side of it there are guardians. The boundary is
usually guarded by people who test the journeyman to see if they are serious about entering in.
They are sometimes loved ones or friends, a spouse or past mentor.
After confronting the guardians, we find new companions. It is here the hero will meet with a friend,
journeyman, assistant, friend or select a group of travelling companions who will assist them on the
quest.
Coaching questions: Who in your life right now resists your calling and
destiny?
THE MIDDLE – adventure
5. Commitment. “Everything is made new.” The hero crosses the threshold and joins the journey
proper. We must pass a trial, or cross the limits of the known into the unknown. This may be a "belly
of the whale" experience, of final separation from one's present.
Coaching questions: What new language, posture, headspace, friendship
group do you need to adopt in order to survive and thrive?
6. New conditions. “Going to the next level.” The hero travels through their world of adventure and
undergoes a series of tests and trials. On the spot examinations raise various character issues that
must be addressed. Each success further proves the call.
The Hero’s Journey – Robert Holmes Page 4 of 7
Coaching questions: Can you see any pattern of events in your life? Things
said twice or three times, repeated dreams, echoes calling again and again.
These are issues undealt with, exams unpassed. What do you need to
change?
7. Deep change. “Going into the cave.” The hero enters the inner most cave, the darkest place. We
may encounter an old love that has the power to change, affirm, and uplift us. We find knowledge
and wisdom that help complete the transition. We may have to rescue someone.
Coaching questions: Let’s review dysfunctional behaviours, limiting
beliefs or self-sabotage. These things will really get in the way during this
stage.
8. Death. “Facing old temptations.” The hero faces temptations, the path leads away from the quest
(by lust, or distraction). There is a great darkness – embracing a death to self, and experience a
rebirth or renewal to the cause by suffering through ordeal. The hero encounters a force that holds
ultimate power, usually a father figure who brings them through. This is sometimes an abyss, an
awful and dark fall. It is a supreme ordeal.
Coaching question: What do you fear the most in life? If you do not deal
with it, that fear will come upon you, because it must be faced. Is it your
past? Failure or success? Whom do you need to confront?
Apotheosis
At this point in the story the hero takes a break, rests, pauses or moves to a more divine state of
knowledge. Perhaps a wedding, a reward, a holiday. On this down time the hero has an “ah ha”
moment. We find critical resources, a gem, and a sword to do battle.
Coaching question: Have you done a strengths analysis recently? Have
you looked over your goals book and determined which ones have been
accomplished?
The Hero’s Journey – Robert Holmes Page 5 of 7
Facing the dragon, getting the treasure
The ultimate reward is within grasp. The weapon, and strengths can be used against our enemy. This
is the critical moment, the final battle with a monster, and the grasping of the reward or treasure.
Coaching questions: Who or what is your "evil one"? What monster is
there to slay, what dragon or beast must be overcome in your life?
Coaching questions: When was the last time you claimed your reward?
When did you last reward yourself for change made, and victory
accomplished?
9. New life. “Settling old scores.” The victory often comes with a backlash, a counterpoint such as
not wishing to return to the normal world, a wrestle to stay or an interruption just after victory.
There is often an atonement required here, a payment made to the past.
The hero may settle a quarrel with a companion, a conflict with his past or nemesis. He may be
reconciled to a woman. There is often a love scene, or marriage at this point. There are always
consequences to the new life.
Coaching questions: What unresolved issues arise out of obtaining your
goals? Now that you have the treasure, and nothing left to prove… who do
you need to forgive?
The boundary condition
We stand now at the end of the adventure, and on this side of it there are monsters: left over from
the evil past. The boundary is usually guarded by people who come from the other side, but may
turn into allies.
The Hero’s Journey – Robert Holmes Page 6 of 7
After confronting the monsters, we find new mentors who are worthy of our new state. It is here the
hero will meet with the next grade of assistance, who oddly enough has the capacity to bring us
home as well.
Coaching questions: Who in your life right now resists your calling and
destiny?
THE END – The return
10. Re-dedication. “I am not the same.” The road back home involves the flight (from the scene of
victory), often from a new problem that arises, which can be just as adventurous. We need to
develop and practise new habits that strengthen our new path.
Coaching questions: Since you are no longer the person you used to be...
what new rituals must you embrace, to maintain your new state?
11. Final push. “Facing an external threat.” There are usually some last minute dangers to be faced.
The hero may be pulled out of their adventure by a force external to themselves. The trick is to
retain the wisdom gained in the adventure, and become normal again.
Coaching questions: What changes back home now that you’re coming
there? What internal keys need to unlock external doors?
12. Mastery. “Mastering two worlds.” The hero is now master of two worlds: the normal world and
the supernormal (paranormal or supernatural) world. They are also the master of the inner and the
outer world. This is the balance between spiritual and natural. You have freedom to live. No longer
afraid of the unknown.
Coaching questions: To whom will you impart your new found knowledge
and experience? Who will you mentor on their journey? Who can you
coach? What is your next adventure? Where is the next mountain?
The Hero’s Journey – Robert Holmes Page 7 of 7
REFERENCES
1) Jones, Adair. "Joseph Campbell's Monomyth." Fundamentals, April 13, 2011.
2) Campbell, Joseph. "The Hero with a Thousand Faces." (1949) Summary Chapter IV.
3) Soon, Alvin. "The Hero's Journey," a life coaches blog (2006).
AUTHOR: ROBERT HOLMES
Robert Holmes is an expert in the science of human behaviour and performance enhancement with a passion for neurology, leadership and unlocking potential. He is without peer in his capacity to bring engaging, powerful and transformative insight into human behaviour and breakthrough to peak performance in a manner that provokes lasting change.
Robert is a professionally certified coach (PCC) with over 20 years of business experience including executive coaching, business coaching and consulting; business facilitation and management mentoring; and board consultation. He is a certified Action Learning Coach (WIAL), a Member of the Australian Institute of Management Consultants, a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and an expert in using the Micro Expression and Subtle Expression tool (FACE).