Steps and Archetypes of the Hero's Journey

The hero is presented with a problem, challenge, or adventure; the hero must face the beginnings of change.

• Crosssing the Threshold
• The Ordeal
• The Call to Adventure
• The Resurrection

The hero takes possession of the treasure won by facing death

• Return with the Elixir
• The Reward
• The Ordeal
• Crossing the Threshold

The hero comes across a seasoned traveler of the world who give him or her training, equipment, or advice that will help on the journey.

• Meeting with the Mentor
• The Ordeal
• Approaching the Inmost Cave
• The Ordinary World

The hero feels the fear of the unknown and tries to turn away from the adventure.

• The Ordeal
• Tests, Allies, & Enemies
• Approach of the Inmost Cave
• Refusal of the Call

The hero is severely tested once more.  He or she is purified by a last sacrifice, another moment of death and rebirth, but on a higher and more complete level.

• The Resurrection
• The Road Back
• Return with the Elixir
• The Ordeal

The hero is shown against a background of environment, heredity, and personal history.

• Approaching the Inmost Cave
• The Ordinary World
• Crossing the Threshold
• The Road Back

The hero returns home or continues the journey, bearing some element of the treasure or some lesson from the special world.

• Return with the Elixir
• The Road Back
• The Reward
• The Resurrection

The hero confronts death or faces his/her greatest fear.  Out of the moment of death comes a new life.

• The Resurrection
• Approaching the Inmost Cave
• The Ordeal
• The Road Back

The hero leaves the Ordinary World and enters the special world for the first time.

• Seizing the Sword, Reward
• The Call to Adventure
• The Ordeal
• Crossing the Threshold

The hero is faced tests and challenges that might be part of his/her training.  The hero will sort out allegiances.

• Refusal of the Call
• Meeting with the Mentor
• Tests, Allies, & Enemies
• The Ordeal