What are the 10 steps of the hero’s journey? This classic narrative structure, also known as the monomyth, was first outlined by Joseph Campbell in his seminal work “The Hero with a Thousand Faces.” The hero’s journey is a universal story template that has been used in countless myths, legends, and modern-day stories. It provides a framework for understanding the transformative journey that heroes embark on, from their initial call to adventure to their ultimate return home. In this article, we will explore the 10 essential steps of the hero’s journey, offering insights into how this narrative structure can be applied to various forms of storytelling.
1. The Ordinary World
The hero’s journey begins in the ordinary world, where the hero lives a seemingly normal life. This is the world that the hero is accustomed to, and it serves as a point of contrast to the challenges and adventures that lie ahead.
2. The Call to Adventure
The call to adventure is the moment when the hero is presented with an opportunity to leave their ordinary world behind. This call can come in the form of a challenge, a problem, or a quest that requires the hero’s unique skills and abilities.
3. Refusal of the Call
At this stage, the hero may resist the call to adventure. Fear, doubt, or a sense of duty can prevent the hero from taking the first step on their journey. The hero may need encouragement or persuasion to overcome their reluctance.
4. Meeting the Mentor
The mentor is a wise figure who guides the hero on their journey. The mentor provides advice, wisdom, and support, helping the hero to prepare for the challenges ahead. The mentor can also serve as a symbol of the hero’s own potential.
5. Crossing the First Threshold
Once the hero has accepted the call to adventure, they must cross the threshold into the special world of the journey. This is a literal or metaphorical boundary that separates the hero from their ordinary life and introduces them to the new challenges and adventures that await.
6. Tests, Allies, and Enemies
The hero encounters various tests, allies, and enemies as they progress through the journey. These challenges help the hero to grow and develop, while also testing their resolve and abilities. The hero’s relationships with allies and enemies can be complex, serving both as obstacles and as opportunities for growth.
7. Approach to the Inmost Cave
The hero approaches the heart of the journey, where the ultimate challenge awaits. This stage is often the most dangerous and intense part of the journey, requiring the hero to confront their deepest fears and vulnerabilities.
8. The Ordeal
The hero faces the ultimate test, known as the ordeal. This test can be physical, emotional, or spiritual, and it often results in a transformation for the hero. The outcome of the ordeal determines whether the hero will succeed or fail in their quest.
9. The Reward
After successfully completing the ordeal, the hero receives a reward. This reward can be a physical object, a new understanding of themselves, or a new role in the world. The reward is a symbol of the hero’s growth and transformation.
10. The Road Back
The hero must now return to the ordinary world, carrying the knowledge and wisdom gained from their journey. The road back can be fraught with danger, as the hero must protect the reward and defend themselves against the forces that tried to stop them.
11. Return with the Elixir
The final step of the hero’s journey is the return with the elixir. The hero brings back the reward and uses it to help others, transforming the ordinary world for the better. This act of returning with the elixir completes the hero’s journey and leaves a lasting legacy.
In conclusion, the 10 steps of the hero’s journey provide a powerful framework for storytelling that has been used for centuries. By understanding and applying these steps, writers and storytellers can create compelling narratives that resonate with audiences and leave a lasting impact.
