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The Heros Journey, The Stages Explained

By Kevin Edwards


Joseph Campbell adapted his monomyth on the 12 stages of a hero from the work of Christopher Vogler. The movie is ranked among the most successful stories of its generation. The Heros Journey highlights stages that everyone must pass through in order to overcome the adversities of life. These stages are worth following to understand the deep structure of characters in movies.

All heroes begin the journey as ordinary folks. At the start, nothing is special about these heroes. This makes it easier for people to identify with their daily struggles and pleasures. This is a trick that shows that the hero comes from an ordinary beginning. It will therefore be easier to relate to his triumphs.

Call to Adventure points at a stage where there is need for the potential hero to act. It happens because of an extraordinary incidence in his life and that of people around him. The people face such challenges as injuries or safety threat to the people who are important in their life. Though not all situations involve guns, it will trigger the need for the star to ditch his comfort zone. Most heroes show resistance to the call at the beginning.

The hero then encounters a mentor. This serves as a turning point because such a hero will receive whatever was lacking in his life. It could be an object that is extremely important to him or his mission. Practical training is also provided and doubt dispelled. This becomes a source of strength for the person.

Crossing the Threshold. This is a stage where there is enough pressure for the hero to answer to the call. The crossing happens voluntarily or he is forced. This is the point he will take on risks and engage in tasks that were previously difficult. He also shows the commitment to undertake the tasks that previously seemed impossible.

Tests, Enemies and Allies. Heroes enter into confrontation with the issues that will define their status. The challenge is usually spiritual, social, emotional, physical or such manifestations. It is these challenges that hold him back. He can only succeed by identifying his allies and isolating his enemies. This confrontation is about to define his areas of strength and weakness. It also reveals his true character.

Approaching the Innermost Cave. This is the pinnacle of preparation for battle. There is a specific place where the battle will take place. There is also a specific skill that will win. Doubts sometimes reemerge but with allies beside him, the hero will overcome. Further, there are people waiting to cheer him when he wins. The anticipation builds tension and is a perfect climax background.

The hero finally faces the ordeal which requires him to summon all his strength. Victory relies on summoning of all his strength. There is imminent death which is the highest point in the story. He either overcomes or dies from resulting injuries. The hero then seizes the sword and gets his reward. He makes a journey back to the point where the call was made. Something new is reborn in the form of resurrection. Our hero will then make a journey back to ordinary life.




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