The Hero’s Journey:The Circular Path

Step 1:Getting the Call

Step 2:Picking up a sidekick

and a helper

Step 3:Crossing Over

Step 4:Trials and

Tribulations

Step 5:Hitting bottom

And getting thereward

Step 6:The Return

Step 7:Heading Home

Step 8:Saving the

World

Ordinary World

Extraordinary World(Supernatural World)

Separation

Initiation

Return

The Call to Adventure:Our hero/heroine is given his/her first

notice that everything is about to change.

They are about to begin the adventure. The hero/heroine may be reluctant to go.

He/she embarks on a perilous journey.

The sidekick and helper volunteer to go along to help and support the hero/heroine.

The sidekick can be clumsy, awkward and make mistakes – ultimately his/her goal is to help the hero

The helper is usually more than just a friend.

The mentor is a teacher – he has more wisdom, knowledge and experience. He gives the hero his/her gifts

Crossing the Threshold signifies that the hero/heroine has committed to the journey.

Our hero officially begins his/her journey, leaving the comfort of his/her known world or life.

Crosses the gateway that separates the Ordinary World form the Extraordinary World.

Our hero must face trials, ordeals, or situations that bring about the changes

These ordeals can threaten the

hero/heroine, sidekick and helper.

The hero/heroine may receive a magical aid, or powerful tool.

The Initiation into the Extraordinary World also tests the hero/heroine’s commitment to the journey.

The hero/heroine is at the lowest possible point, “the nadir.”

The hero/heroine undergoes a supreme ordeal: a test of strength, smarts and will.

After a struggle with the villain or “shadow,” the journey is over.

The hero/heroine gains the reward, “the boon.” The reward comes in many forms: a magical sword, an elixir, or greater knowledge.

The hero/heroine has been transformed.

The hero/heroine must finally recommit to completing the journey and accept the road back to the Ordinary World.

Like crossing the Threshold, the hero/heroine needs an event that will push him/her back through into the Ordinary World.

When the hero/heroine returns home, they are greatly changed.

They have learned much about the world and themselves.

The hero/heroine must look inside themselves.

“The boon” or reward the hero/heroine brings home restores the world.

Things are returned to normal, and there is a great recognition given to the hero/heroine for his/her efforts.