Hero's Journey

The hero is shown in the world as it exists, considered by those in it to be ordinary and uneventful.

• Refusal of the Call

• The Resurrection

• The Ordinary World

• Meeting with the Mentor

Someone or something presents the hero with a problem, challenge, or an adventure. This can be an event or a person.

• Meeting with the Mentor

• The Call to Adventure

• The Ordeal

• Return with the Elixir

The hero comes across a veteran traveler of the Special World who provides training, equipment, weapons, or advice that will help on the journey.

• The Reward

• Approach to the Inmost Cave

• The Resurrection

• Meeting with the Mentor

A "point of no return" is crossed. The hero commits to the journey and enters into the Special World.

• The Road Back

• Approaching the Inmost Cave

• The Ordeal

• Crossing the Threshold

The hero faces the initial tests/conflicts and sorts out allegiances in the Special World.

• Tests, Allies, and Enemies

• The Call to Adventure

• The Road Back

• Return with the Elixir

The hero and new-found allies are reminded of the main challenge that lies ahead in the Special World.

• Tests, Allies, and Enemies

• The Ordeal

• Approach to the Inmost Cave

• Meeting with the Mentor

The hero reaches their original goal, confronts death, or faces their greatest fear. All the hard work and training is put to the test.

• The Ordeal

• Crossing the Threshold

• The Ordinary World

• The Reward

The hero receives something for their victory or failure,

and must accept the consequences.

• Meeting with the Mentor

• The Reward

• Return with the Elixir

• Refusal of the Call

The Hero must complete the adventure, leave the Special World, and get the "treasure" home safely.

• The Road Back

• The Ordeal

• Crossing the Threshold

• Tests, Allies, and Enemies

The hero is tested a final time on the threshold of home, and is purified by a final sacrifice and a higher level of rebirth.

• The Ordeal

• The Resurrection

• Refusal of the Call

• Meeting with the Mentor