The Hero’s Journey is a concept created by Joseph Campbell, an American writer. His work covers many aspects of the human experience. The Hero’s Journey describes the archetypal path of transformation, a way to tell a story about a hero who overcomes challenges and grows as a person.
You can use the Hero’s Journey as a framework for understanding your own experiences, gaining a deeper sense of purpose and direction, and being better prepared to overcome the challenges you face on your journey.
The Hero’s Journey is a story structure that many famous stories and movies follow. It has several steps:
- The Call to Adventure: The hero is asked to go on a journey or do something important that will take them beyond their normal world.
- Refusal of the Call: The hero is scared or hesitant to go on the journey. The hero may initially resist the call to adventure either out of fear or a sense of duty to their current life.
- Meeting the Mentor: The hero meets someone who helps them and gives them advice.
- Crossing the Threshold: The hero leaves their home and enters a new, unfamiliar world.
- Tests, Allies, and Enemies: The hero faces challenges, makes friends, and meets enemies.
- Approach to the Inmost Cave: The hero gets closer to the most important challenge.
- Ordeal: The hero faces the biggest challenge and must use all their skills and strengths to overcome it.
- Reward: The hero emerges from the ordeal transformed, and receives a reward or prize for their efforts.
- The Road Back: The hero begins the journey back to their familiar world, but may face new challenges and obstacles.
- Resurrection: The hero faces a final test, often with the help of support, and emerges victorious.
- Return with the Elixir: The hero returns home to their familiar world with something valuable they learned or earned on their journey.
Can you identify a moment when you received a “call to adventure” or when you faced a significant “test.”
Reflect on your own life experiences and identify moments where you have faced challenges or experienced significant changes.
Where are you on your journey today and what obstacles are you facing?
You can look at your challenges as opportunities for growth and transformation, and recognise that your journey is ongoing. The Hero’s Journey is not just a linear progression, but a cyclical process of growth and change.
If you would like support and guidance as you navigate your life journey, Seek out mentors who can provide you with support and guidance along your way.
I can help you develop strategies for overcoming obstacles and achieving your desired outcomes. Do not leave your treasure of gifts and talents, skills and abilities buried within you. Reach out, I am happy to support you.
