How many steps are in the hero’s journey? This age-old question has intrigued writers, filmmakers, and storytellers for centuries. The hero’s journey, also known as the monomyth, is a narrative template that describes the adventures of an individual who goes on a quest, faces challenges, and ultimately returns home transformed. Joseph Campbell, a renowned mythologist, identified 17 steps in the hero’s journey, which can be broken down into three main stages: departure, initiation, and return.
The first stage, departure, involves the hero’s call to adventure. This is when the hero is introduced to the world and their ordinary life, often characterized by a sense of dissatisfaction or the feeling that something is missing. The hero then crosses the first threshold, leaving their familiar world behind and entering the special world of the adventure. This stage is marked by the hero’s initial reluctance or hesitation, as they face the unknown and potential dangers ahead.
The second stage, initiation, is the most challenging and transformative part of the hero’s journey. It consists of 12 steps that can be further divided into three sub-stages: separation, transformation, and return with the elixir. During separation, the hero encounters tests, allies, and enemies, and must face their deepest fears and flaws. The transformation phase involves the hero’s growth and development, as they learn new skills, gain wisdom, and become a stronger individual. Finally, the hero returns with the elixir, which represents the knowledge and wisdom gained during the journey, ready to share it with the world.
The final stage, return, is when the hero returns to their ordinary world, now changed and transformed. The hero must face the final challenge of reintegrating into society while using the elixir to help others. This stage often involves a battle against the forces that threatened the hero’s world and the hero’s own personal demons. The hero’s successful return signifies their growth and the fulfillment of their quest.
In conclusion, the hero’s journey consists of 17 steps that guide the protagonist through a transformative adventure. These steps help to create a narrative structure that is both universal and timeless, allowing writers and storytellers to create compelling and relatable tales of heroism and growth. Whether in literature, film, or other forms of storytelling, the hero’s journey continues to inspire and captivate audiences around the world.
