How Many Steps in the Hero’s Journey?
The Hero’s Journey, also known as the Monomyth, is a narrative template that Joseph Campbell identified in various myths and stories from around the world. This journey outlines the stages that a hero goes through in their quest for transformation and self-discovery. While Campbell originally described the journey as having 17 steps, many interpretations and adaptations have reduced this number to a more manageable set of stages. In this article, we will explore the commonly recognized steps in the Hero’s Journey and their significance in storytelling.
The First Step: The Ordinary World
The first step in the Hero’s Journey is the Ordinary World, where the hero is introduced to the audience. This stage sets the stage for the hero’s character and establishes their normal life, which will eventually be disrupted by the call to adventure. The Ordinary World is essential for the audience to understand the hero’s perspective and the stakes involved in their journey.
The Call to Adventure
The Call to Adventure is the second step in the Hero’s Journey. This is when the hero is presented with a challenge or a problem that requires them to leave their Ordinary World. The call can come from an external source, such as a mentor or a divine figure, or from an internal desire for change. The hero’s initial response to the call is often one of hesitation or resistance, as they are not yet ready to embark on the journey.
The Refusal of the Call
Following the Call to Adventure, the hero often faces a moment of Refusal of the Call. This is a critical point where the hero must overcome their fears, doubts, and insecurities to accept the challenge. The Refusal of the Call can occur multiple times throughout the journey, as the hero continues to grapple with the consequences of their actions.
The Meeting with the Mentor
The Meeting with the Mentor is a pivotal step in the Hero’s Journey. This is when the hero encounters a wise figure who provides guidance, support, and essential tools for their journey. The mentor can help the hero understand the nature of the challenge they face and prepare them for the obstacles ahead.
The Crossing the First Threshold
The Crossing the First Threshold marks the hero’s official entry into the Special World, where the adventure truly begins. This stage signifies the hero’s commitment to the journey and their willingness to face the unknown. The hero leaves their Ordinary World behind and embarks on the quest for transformation.
The Tests, Allies, and Enemies
The Tests, Allies, and Enemies stage involves the hero encountering various challenges, allies, and adversaries. These encounters help the hero grow and develop their skills, as well as reveal their true strengths and weaknesses. The hero must navigate these trials and forge alliances to continue their journey.
The Approach to the Inmost Cave
The Approach to the Inmost Cave is a critical stage where the hero faces the most significant challenge of their journey. This is where the hero must confront their deepest fears and vulnerabilities. The Inmost Cave represents the hero’s innermost struggle and the ultimate test of their character.
The Ordeal
The Ordeal is the culmination of the hero’s journey, where they face the ultimate challenge and must overcome it. This stage is often the most intense and dangerous, and it can result in the hero’s apparent death or transformation. The Ordeal serves as a critical turning point in the hero’s development.
The Reward
After the Ordeal, the hero receives the Reward, which can be a new understanding of themselves, a magical item, or a transformation in their character. The Reward is a symbol of the hero’s growth and the value of their journey.
The Road Back
The Road Back is the hero’s journey back to the Ordinary World, carrying the wisdom and experience gained from their adventure. This stage is often fraught with danger, as the hero must protect the Reward and face the enemies they encountered earlier.
The Resurrection
The Resurrection is the final stage of the Hero’s Journey, where the hero is reborn or transformed. This stage represents the hero’s complete transformation and their return to the Ordinary World as a changed individual. The Resurrection is a celebration of the hero’s growth and the success of their journey.
In conclusion, while the Hero’s Journey has been traditionally described as having 17 steps, many adaptations have simplified the narrative to a more accessible set of stages. Regardless of the specific number of steps, the Hero’s Journey remains a powerful tool for storytelling, providing a framework for characters to grow, transform, and ultimately return to their Ordinary World as heroes.
