The Hero's Journey

Front 1

Ordinary world

Back 1

This is where the Hero's exists before his present story begins, oblivious of the adventures to come. It's his safe place.

Front 2

Call to adventure

Back 2

The Hero's adventure begins when he receives a call to action, such as a direct threat to his safety, his family, his way of life or to the peace of the community in which he lives

Front 3

Refusal of the call

Back 3

Although the Hero may be eager to accept the quest, at this stage he will have fears that need overcoming. Second thoughts or even deep personal doubts as to whether or not he is up to the challenge.

Front 4

Meeting the mentor

Back 4

At this crucial turning point where the Hero desperately needs guidance he meets a mentor figure who gives him something he needs. He could be given an object of great importance, insight into the dilemma he faces, wise advice, practical training or even self-confidence.

Front 5

Crossing the threshold

Back 5

The Hero is now ready to act upon his call to adventure and truly begin his quest, whether it be physical, spiritual or emotional.

Front 6

Test, allies, enemies

Back 6

Now finally out of his comfort zone the Hero is confronted with an ever more difficult series of challenges that test him in a variety of ways. The Hero needs to find out who can be trusted and who can't.

Front 7

Approach To The Inmost Cave

Back 7

The inmost cave may represent many things in the Hero's story such as an actual location in which lies a terrible danger or an inner conflict which up until now the Hero has not had to face.

Front 8

Ordeal

Back 8

The Supreme Ordeal may be a dangerous physical test or a deep inner crisis that the Hero must face in order to survive or for the world in which the Hero lives to continue to exist.

Front 9

Reward

Back 9

After defeating the enemy, surviving death and finally overcoming his greatest personal challenge, the Hero is ultimately transformed into a new state, emerging from battle as a stronger person and often with a prize.

Front 10

The road back

Back 10

This stage in the Hero's journey represents a reverse echo of the Call to Adventure in which the Hero had to cross the first threshold. Now he must return home with his reward.

Front 11

Resurrection

Back 11

This is the climax in which the Hero must have his final and most dangerous encounter with death. The final battle also represents something far greater than the Hero's own existence.

Front 12

Return with the elixir

Back 12

This is the final stage of the Hero's journey in which he returns home to his Ordinary World a changed man. He will have grown as a person, learned many things, faced many terrible dangers and even death but now looks forward to the start of a new life.