The Hero’s Journey
Uplift Centre 2023
Our life is a journey. From the moment we are born there are challenges and learnings that help shape well known stages of individual growth and development. This continues throughout our life e.g. learning to talk and walk, learning levels and achievements through our school years , adolescence, finding a career, a mate, perhaps having our own children, maturing, ageing, menopause, and so forth... We are shaped by the thousands of inner and outer events that show up every week, and the sense we make of them. We are shaped by our own physical, mental and emotional health, and the health of those around us. We are shaped by the circumstances we find ourselves in, and the decisions we make along the various pathways of our journey. We are formed by our responses to the changes, losses and suffering that inevitably occur.
The stages of the Hero’s Journey can be a helpful guide for reflecting on our own and others’ life journeys, particularly during times of challenge, change and transitions. It provides a framework for us to better understand the stages of personal growth and the development of courage, resilience, character and wisdom.
We are all on a journey… with both outer and inner stages
It begins with an ordinary person who finds themselves called to undertake an arduous journey in order to achieve a goal or quest.. They evolve into a ‘hero’ along the way as they are confronted by hardship and their own physical, mental and emotional limits, yet courageously continue forward.
The Hero’s Journey identifies common underlying themes and stages as the central character grapples with their own fears and self interests against the needs and welfare of others. As their journey unfolds they are challenged to go deeper and discover their True Self. This inevitably involves a quest for identity, purpose, meaning, relationships and spirituality of some form.
Joseph Campbell was an anthropologist who published the concept of the Hero’s journey in his book "The Hero with a Thousand Faces" in 1949. Through his study of ancient myths, legends, stories, and sacred texts, Campbell noticed a similar journey that all heroes in all stories seemed to take, no matter where or when they lived, or who wrote them. He found they are all basically the same story retold endlessly in infinite variations, which Campbell described as “Mankind’s one great story”….
In every time and culture these stories are powerful because they reflect universal concerns and questions of identity and meaning, which are found through facing one's fears and discovering our deeper purpose.
Campbell was influenced by Carl Jung, the founder of analytical psychology’s work on symbols and myths, especially Jung’s concept of the collective unconscious, which is a shared reservoir of images, symbols, and archetypes that transcend individual and cultural differences. Campbell and Jung both believed that myths and symbols are expressions of the human psyche and its quest for meaning, wholeness, and transcendence.
The following diagram is an attempt to show the major stages of the hero’s journey as described by Campbell:
The Hero’s Journey by DR Phelan from Joseph Campbell’s work
To give you an idea of its universality, the following well known Stories are just some examples that encompass the pattern of the Hero’s Journey of adventure, growth, and transformation: The Odyssey, The Hobbit, Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, Harry Potter, The Wizard of Oz, Rocky movies, The Hunger Games, The Lion King, Karate Kid, The Chronicles of Narnia, Finding Nemo, the story of Siddhartha in Buddhism, and stories of Biblical figures such as Noah and the ark, Moses, David etc… and countless more…. I describe some of my own reflections from stages of my journey in: In adversity we go deeper
There are various commentaries on Campbell’s work - see the Deeper Dive at the end of this resource if you want to explore further. Maureen Murdock in her book "The Heroine's Journey: Woman's Quest for Wholeness" focuses particularly on women. It’s important to note though that while many hero stories feature males, Campbell used stories of male, female and mythical figures to illustrate his concept of a hero as a person who is admired by many people for doing something brave or good.
Campbell’s heroic Journey has been summarised / distilled into stages varying from 3 to 17. Christopher Vogler, a Hollywood executive, listed 12 stages in a memo titled "A Practical Guide to The Hero with a Thousand Faces," which later evolved into his 2007 book "The Writer's Journey: Mythic Structure for Writers." Vogler said: “In the long run, the most influential book of the 20th century may turn out to be Joseph Campbell’s The Hero with a Thousand Faces”.
My diagram above summarises 12 aspects of a hero’s journey, and I have included two quotes at the end of each stage below as illustrations - one from literature or film, and one from the bible.
1. The Ordinary World:
All of our stories begin with us as children growing up in our own day to day world. It doesn’t matter who our parents might, or might not be, or what our circumstances are. We each grow up with our memories of ordinary daily life.
Similarly, the Stories that we tend to remember and identify with generally begin with the unidentified hero living a normal life in their normal world. We learn something of their routines, relationships, and circumstances before the adventure begins. Generally, the hero is just an ordinary person going about their daily life.
Rocky 1976
In the Hobbit, Bilbo Baggins is a keep-to-himself character living in his hole in a hill in a quiet shire. In the first Rocky movie, Rocky Balboa is a mediocre boxer doing his best to live day-to-day in a poor neighbourhood. In Star Wars Luke Skywalker is a lad working on an out of way planet. Harry Potter is an orphan living in a cupboard under the stairs at the Dursley’s place. The future King David starts as a shepherd boy living an ordinary life in Bethlehem.
“Mr and Mrs Dursley, of number four Privet Drive, were proud to say that they were perfectly normal thank you very much “- Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by JK Rowling
“So he asked Jesse, 'Are these all the sons you have?' 'There is still the youngest,' Jesse answered. 'He is tending the sheep.' Samuel said, 'Send for him; we will not sit down until he arrives’. So he sent for him and had him brought in. He was glowing with health and had a fine appearance and handsome features. Then the Lord said, 'Rise and anoint him; this is the one.' So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David.” 1 Samuel 16:11-13
2. The Call to Adventure:
Something then disrupts the potential hero's ordinary life, often in the form of a challenge, a mysterious event, a threatening agent, or a mentor figure calling them to move. They are generally confronted by something that puts them out of their physical, mental, or emotional comfort zone, and they can’t ignore it.
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
The Wizard Gandalf visiting Bilbo and the meeting with the Dwarves in the Hobbit. Dorothy when she’s swept up in a tornado in The Wizard of Oz. Elliot in E.T. upon discovering a lost alien in the tool shed. Rocky “The Italian Stallion” getting a call to fight Apollo Creed the World heavyweight champion. In Finding Nemo, Marlin witnesses the abduction of his son Nemo and decides he must pursue the boat that took his him. In Star Trek: The Next Generation Episode "Q Who", the crew's encounter with the seemingly omnipotent being Q results in a challenge to explore the unknown regions of the galaxy. Q's actions serve as a call to adventure for the crew.
We will each have already encountered such a disruption in our life journey - it could have come in the form of parents moving the family to a new state or country, which then involved a new school and neighbourhood. It could have been the loss of a loved one, a major accident, a war breaking out, being conscripted by the army, redundancy at work, a relationship breakdown, an offer to take a new job overseas, a marriage proposal, an unforeseen crisis…… and we know for sure that something will again show up in our lives calling or forcing us to move on to another stage of our journey.
“Help me, Obi Wan Kenobi. You're my only hope”- Princess Leia in Star Wars: A New Hope
“The Lord had said to Abram, ‘Leave your country and your people. Leave your father’s family. Go to the land I will show you’”- Genesis 12:1-4
3. Refusal of the Call:
Initially, we may resist the call due to fear, self-doubt, or attachment to our current life. The call entails risk, danger, perils and often involves leaving people and attachments behind. We may need encouragement or motivation from a mentor or supernatural aid to accept the challenge. Sometimes events force us.
Marlin is reluctant to leave his home and venture into the unknown, as he’s scared of sharks, jellyfish, whales, and other threats. He also doubts his own abilities as a father and a hero. Bilbo is upset about the disruption to his ordered life and refuses to go with the dwarves. Luke Skywalker refuses to join Obi-Wan on his mission to rescue the princess. It’s only when he is confronted by his aunt and uncle’s death by stormtroopers that he decides to go. Rocky declines Creed’s invitation as he is out of shape and has no trainer.
Our risk management black hat goes on and we start thinking of all the things that could go wrong, and rationalising why we can’t or shouldn’t do it. Change that impacts our comfort zone often feels uncomfortable and we experience resistance. Denial is a common defence mechanism used to protect ourselves from the hardship of considering an upsetting reality.
“I can’t go to Berlin. I’m a pacifist.” - Steve Rogers in Captain America: The First Avenger
“But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?”” - Exodus 3:11
4. Meeting the Mentor:
Our central character then encounters a mentor or wise figure who can provide guidance, training, and valuable insights. This mentor equips the hero with the skills, knowledge and sometimes a special resource needed for the journey ahead.
Mentors can appear as a suburban karate instructor in Karate Kid, Alfred in Batman, or Q who provides protective gadgetry in the James Bond films. Marlin meets Dory, a blue tang fish who suffers from short-term memory loss yet is a great encourager.
Often the helper that shows up is almost super-natural – a hermit, wizard, ferryman, or Lady of the light who supplies the wise advice, amulets, teaching and courage-boost the hero needs. Campbell notes the helpful crone and fairy godmother is a familiar feature of European fairy lore. Dumbledore from Harry Potter, Gandalf from Lord of the Rings, Yoda from Star Wars, Merlin from King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table… After the hurricane carries Dorothy away into the Land of Oz, Glinda, the Good Witch of the South, shows up as a mentor and begins teaching her the rules of this new place. She gives Dorothy the magical ruby slippers, and a quest, where she will make friends, confront enemies, and be tested.
On our journeys, mentors might be our grandfather or wise aunt, football coach, guide leader, former teacher, or a manager at work. It could be a wise old lady who lives next door. A dying friend is a mentor in Mitch Albom’s Tuesdays with Morrie.
There is something about being disrupted and out of our comfort zone, that causes us to look for someone or something that can help guide us in the unknown. We become open to learn. There is a zen buddhist saying: “When the student is ready, the teacher will appear”.
“You have only seen the smallest part of what you can do. I will show you wonders you never dreamed of.” - Gandalf in The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
“And Elijah said to Elisha, “Please stay here, for the Lord has sent me as far as Bethel.” But Elisha said, “As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they went down to Bethel.” - 2 Kings 2:2
5. Crossing the First Threshold:
Armed with the mentor’s help, the potential hero commits to the adventure and crosses into a new, unfamiliar world. It’s a point of no return as they leave, or are forced to leave, their comfort zone and journey into the world of the unknown. It is an ending of the way things were. In the movies, Vogler described this as the moment that the balloon goes up, the ship sails, the romance begins, the wagon gets rolling.
Marlin crosses the first threshold when he enters the open ocean, leaving behind his familiar and safe environment. Rocky takes up the gauntlet. Bilbo decides he must go and leave the shire. In the ABC Episode of Bluey, Bingo has to face a swooping magpie on a quest that involves going across the park.
The crossing may involve doors, gates, bridges, canyons, oceans, rivers, a yellow brick road or blasting off in a rocket... The crossing may be overcoming a mental or emotional threshold e.g., the agoraphobic who finally agrees to step outside their home and go on a bus ride with a mentor friend.
Having gotten up the courage to go forward into the unknown, we may still have to face threshold guardians that seek to block or divert us from our quest. Despite the aid given to us by our mentor, we still experience resistance. Nothing is easy. Sometimes the guardian is real or an illusion. Our task is to find a way around these guardians.
Harry Potter encounters the Mirror of Erised in Hogwarts. This magical mirror shows the deepest desires of a person's heart. Harry is captivated by the mirror’s illusion which depicts him with his longed-for, deceased parents. He becomes obsessed with returning to the mirror to relive this illusion repeatedly. However, Dumbledore, the wise mentor, explains that whilst the mirror shows one’s deepest desires, it does not provide a path to achieve them. This realisation helps Harry overcome the illusion allowing him to move forward on his hero’s journey and focus on his quest to stop Voldemort.
“We’re off to see the Wizard, the wonderful Wizard of Oz!” - Dorothy and her friends in The Wizard of Oz
“Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.” - Matthew 4:1
Image credit: Bibleinfo
6. Tests, Allies, and Enemies:
Having crossed the first threshold, we now find ourselves in unfamiliar territory and must come to grips with new characters, circumstances, and rules. Fairly quickly we encounter trouble in this new world – things go wrong; unforeseen obstacles, threats to life and fighting for survival. The hero faces a series of challenges and obstacles, meets helpful allies, and encounters enemies. Are these new characters friends or foes? These experiences test their resolve and contribute to the hero's growth and transformation. Campbell calls this stage The Road of Trials.
After finally arriving at Hogwarts, Harry Potter finds himself fighting a troll, then clinging onto a flying broomstick for dear life, and getting lost in the Forbidden Forest. In Lord of the Rings, Frodo delays his departure from the Shire as long as possible even though he knows the task is urgent. He risks the dangers of the Old Forest, nearly getting himself and his friends killed. He gives in to the temptation to put on the Ring at Weathertop, making himself vulnerable to the Ringwraiths' attack.
Marlin and Dory meet a friendly sea turtle named Crush, who gives them a ride on the East Australian Current. They also encounter a school of fish who help them read the address on the diver’s mask, which leads them to Sydney. Along the way, they also face a dangerous field of jellyfish, “friendly” sharks, and a whale that swallows them.
at the Mos Eisley cantina in Star Wars: A New Hope (1977)
In the original Star Wars film, Luke Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi enter a rough spaceport bar filled with various alien species and shady, threatening characters. However, they meet Han Solo, the smuggler and pilot of the Millennium Falcon who becomes an ally in their journey to rescue Princess Leia.
On our journeys, we find ourselves amongst new people after moving to a new school, starting a new job in a new organisation, moving house to a new community, or living in a refugee camp after fleeing persecution…. we encounter bullies and possible new friends….who can we trust? Who do we need to be careful of?
“My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die.” - Inigo Montoya in The Princess Bride
“And he called to him his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every affliction.” - Matthew 10:1
7. Approach to the Inmost Cave:
After all the trials and tribulations of the journey so far, the hero then comes up against their biggest challenge - the ‘cave’ where the goal of their quest is located. Campbell cites the dream of a patient during analysis: “I stood before a dark cave wanting to go in and I shuddered at the thought that I might not be able to find my way back. I saw one beast after another”.
The ‘inmost cave’ isn’t necessarily a physical cave but rather refers to the most dangerous place in the other realm — whether that’s the Death Star, the lair of the fearsome dragon, or Van Helsing approaching the home of Count Dracula. In many myths the hero has to descend into Hell to retrieve a loved one.
In real life we sometimes call it “facing our demons” or “confronting our worst fears”.
Campbell describes this as descending into The Belly of the Whale…being swallowed into the unknown, the place where they will likely be forced to undergo the most change. In the biblical story Jonah refused God’s call to go to Nineveh (the enemy), and then finds himself cast overboard in a storm and swallowed by a great fish. While in the belly of the whale, Jonah prayed to God for help, realized that he’d in fact been saved from drowning, and repented his fear to follow God’s call. For three days Jonah sat in the belly of the fish and was then thrown up onto the shore.
Marlin and Dory make it to Sydney Harbor, where they find out that Nemo is kept in a dentist’s office aquarium. The hero must confront their fears and inner struggles and prepare themselves to face their biggest battle. There is despair and bleakness as they face the real prospect of failure and death.
After many trials Frodo and Sam finally reach the Black Gate of Mordor – the entrance to the place they have long battled to get to. It is heavily guarded by orcs and other evil creatures and there is no way to enter unnoticed. They realize their quest seems hopeless and impossible, and they are likely to die if they try to continue. Frodo is tempted to give up and turn back, but his true friend and ally, Sam, encourages him to keep going. He reminds Frodo of their friends and their home, and of the importance of their mission. He also tells Frodo that Gollum knows another secret way into Mordor. Frodo decides to trust Gollum and follow him, even though Sam is suspicious of him. This is a crucial moment in the story, as Frodo and Sam choose to face the ultimate danger and sacrifice for the sake of the world.
At this dark point on our journey, our readiness to confront our fear and find courage to go forward reflects our growth since starting. In psychological terms, by choosing to enter the abyss the hero proves their willingness to let go of their old sense of identity. For the greater good….
“One does not simply walk into Mordor.” - Boromir in The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
“And they went to a place called Gethsemane. And he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” And he took with him Peter and James and John and began to be greatly distressed and troubled. And he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death. Remain here and watch.” And going a little farther, he fell on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. And he said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.”” - Mark 14:32-36
8. The Ordeal in the Abyss:
This is the stage where the hero confronts his ultimate challenge and faces a literal or symbolic death. The hero summons their courage and goes into the metaphorical ‘inmost cave’ or jumps off the precipice into the roiling seas below – the abyss - which is another analogy of this point in the Hero’s journey. This is a critical moment of truth that will inform every decision the Hero makes from this point on.
There is often a climactic battle with an antagonist with immense power. This antagonist can represent the shadow or dark side of the hero – what he could become if he allows the shadow self to take over from his true self. In Star Wars, this is Darth Vader, whom Luke discovers is his own father. In Harry Potter it is Voldemort. In the Deathly Hallows, Harry believes he must surrender himself to Voldemort in order to protect his friends. This confrontation leads to his apparent death, but it is also the moment where he gains crucial insights and reunites with loved ones who have passed away. This ordeal marks a significant turning point in his journey to defeat Voldemort and save the wizarding world.
The Wicked Witch is enraged that Dorothy and her friends have penetrated the inmost cave. She threatens each of them with death. She lights Scarecrow on fire. We feel the horror of his imminent death. Dorothy grabs a bucket of water to save him and ends up melting the witch.
Marlin faces his greatest fear and risk as he enters the dentist’s office through a pipe, while avoiding Darla and her uncle. He also has to trust Nemo, who has come up with his own escape plan involving jamming the filter and making the tank dirty. Marlin has to overcome his doubts and let go of his control over Nemo.
By facing our fears and demons, surrendering our inner ego, and risking our life for the greater good, we earn the title of “Hero”. If the hero survives, there is often a significant realisation or discovery, and they emerge transformed. The ordeal in myth signifies the death of the ego. For a greater cause, the hero has gone forward in the face of their own death, and now sees the connectedness of all things. The hero has risked his or her life for the sake of the larger collective.
Campbell says the Mystics refer to this as the second stage of the Way … that of the “purification of the self” when the sensors are cleansed and humbled, and the energies and interests concentrated upon transcendental things. It is a process of dissolving, transcending, or transmuting past self-images.
The final ordeal that Frodo has to overcome when he enters Mount Doom inside Mordor is the ultimate test of his willpower and courage. He has to resist the temptation of the ring which has corrupted his mind and body throughout his journey and throw it into the fiery chasm. He also has to face his own shadow, which is represented by Gollum, who is a former ring-bearer that has been twisted by the ring’s evil influence. Frodo must choose between keeping the ring for himself or destroying it for the sake of the world.
In the Book of Daniel, Daniel is thrown into a den of lions. This punishment is imposed by King Darius after Daniel defies a royal decree and continues to pray to his God. Daniel's faith is unwavering, and he survives the night unharmed due to God's intervention. The lions, typically ferocious and deadly, do not harm Daniel. This ordeal in the lions' den is a test of Daniel's faith and character.
"The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few." - Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan." Spock’s words to Admiral Kirk as he explains his decision to sacrifice himself to save the crew of the USS Enterprise. It's a pivotal and emotional moment in the film and reflects Spock's logic and commitment to the greater good.
“So the king gave the order, and they brought Daniel and threw him into the lions’ den. The king said to Daniel, “May your God, whom you serve continually, rescue you!” - Daniel 6:16
9. Reward:
Overcoming this ordeal brings rewards, which might be physical, emotional, or spiritual. The reward can be an actual object, like a holy grail, or it can mean the knowledge and experience that lead to greater understanding and reconciliation. Sometimes the reward is love.
Luke rescues Princess Leia and captures the plans of the Death Star — keys to defeating Darth Vader. Dorothy escapes from the Wicked Witch’s castle with the broomstick and the ruby slippers — keys to getting back home. Rocky doesn’t win the fight, but he’s won back his confidence and beaten his mental demons; and he’s got Adrian, who tells him that she loves him. Marlin reunites with Nemo and expresses his love and pride for him. He also reconciles with Dory, who he had blamed for losing Nemo earlier. He realises that Dory has become his friend and that he needs her in his life.
It is common for people who come through significant suffering to feel they have gained greater depth, compassion, insight and wisdom as a result of their ordeals.
“You have no idea what I’ve been through. I’ve been frozen, chased by wolves, kidnapped by thugs, and menaced by a snowman who tried to kill me with his nose. And now I’m here with you in the Southern Isles, and I’m so happy. You’re my true love, Hans. And this is my reward.” - Anna in Frozen
“And he took their king’s crown from off his head, the weight whereof was a talent of gold with the precious stones: and it was set on David’s head. And he brought forth the spoil of the city in great abundance.” - 2 Samuel 12:30
10. The Road Back:
After the ordeal, the hero begins the journey back to the ordinary world, but they are not the same person they were at the beginning. They have been shaped and formed by all their experiences.
After destroying the ring and liberating middle-earth from the tyranny of Sauron, Frodo and Sam are rescued by the eagles who take them back to Rivendell where they are healed of their wounds and illnesses, both physical and psychological. They have overcome fears, doubts, temptations, and hardships, and have become wiser, braver, and more compassionate. They have grown and been transformed.
The Return of the Prodigal Son
The journey of the prodigal son……“So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.” - Luke 15:11-32
But, nothing on this journey is easy. Despite having come through the abyss and faced our demons, on the way back there can yet be a further challenge or temptation that tests our transformation and the lessons we have learned. In the Story of the prodigal son, we go on to read about the unhappiness of the older brother who feels things have not been fairly judged or dealt with by his father.
In Finding Nemo, Marlin and Nemo finally leave Sydney Harbor with Dory and Nigel, heading back to their home in the coral reef. However, they are not safe yet, as they have to face one last obstacle: a fishing boat that tries to catch them with a net.
“Just keep swimming.” - Finding Nemo
11. Resurrection:
At the final ordeal, or on the road back, the hero may again be tested and have to again confront his or her own shadow or inner demons and once more overcome their flaws or fears. This is often a final life-and-death situation, where the hero may die symbolically or literally, and then be reborn or resurrected. This is the final test of the hero, where we must prove our transformation, apply what we have learned and have the courage to continue to be our True Self.
Finding Nemo - Swim Down
Marlin shows his courage and leadership by instructing all the fish in the net to swim down together, breaking free from the boat. He also shows his trust and respect for Nemo by letting him join the effort, despite his injury.
Frodo is attacked by Gollum at the edge of the Mount Doom crack, and they both fall into the fire. Frodo is saved but loses his finger and the Ring after Gollum bites it off. However, after everything that has happened on the journey and his own suffering and insights, Frodo forgives Gollum, who he had hated and feared, by calling him by his original name, Sméagol. Frodo emerges from this ordeal as a changed person, who has completed his mission and freed himself from the Ring’s influence. He has been stripped of everything, outside and inside. Of course the other great hero in this Story is Sam, who faithfully and selflessly supports Frodo throughout all the stages (even being rejected and seen as second fiddle) all the way to the end.
“You’re a wizard, Harry.” - Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J.K. Rowling
“And he said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me, and see. For a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.”” - Luke 24:38-39
12. Return with the Elixir:
The transformed hero is now the Master of two worlds – This is the synthesis of who were before we began our journey, and who we have now become. The hero is comfortable with a new balance, having resolved both their external quest and their inner soul searching. The hero returns to the ordinary world, bringing back newfound wisdom, skills, or a boon that benefits their community. After our own long journey, we return a different person than when we started out. We’ve grown and matured as a result of the journey we’ve taken. We are surer about who we are and what we stand for. We are far less ego driven.
Marlin returns home with Nemo and Dory, who join their family. He also brings back a new attitude and perspective on life: he is more adventurous, relaxed, and confident. He allows Nemo to go to school and explore the ocean with his friends. He also appreciates Dory’s presence and memory more than ever.
Harry Potter returns to Hogwarts after defeating Voldemort and preventing him from stealing the Philosopher’s Stone. He brings back the elixir of courage and friendship, which he has gained from his adventure. He also receives the House Cup for Gryffindor, along with Ron, Hermione, and Neville. He then leaves for his summer break, knowing he has a true home at Hogwarts.
In The Odyssey, Odysseus returns to his home in Ithaca after 20 years of wandering and fighting. He brings back the elixir of wisdom and cunning, which he has gained from his adventures. He also brings back his loyalty and love for his wife Penelope, who has waited for him faithfully. He uses his skills and courage to defeat the suitors who have tried to take over his kingdom and marry his wife.
In The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, the four Pevensie children return to their world through the wardrobe after defeating the White Witch and ruling Narnia for many years. They bring back the elixir of courage and faith, which they have learned from Aslan, the lion king. They also bring back their friendship and bond as siblings, which have strengthened through their journey. They return to their original ages and appearances, but they retain their memories and experiences of Narnia.
Moses by Jan van 't Hoff Gospel Images
After leading the Israelites out of Egypt and through all the trials in the wilderness, Moses ascends Mount Sinai where he receives the Ten Commandments from God. Moses brings this divine wisdom back to his people, providing them with a set of laws and principles to live by. This is the elixir intended to guide the Israelites and, by extension, all of humanity.
There’s no place like home.” - The Wizard of Oz
“The Journey of the Magi……When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. (DP: their quest). And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.” - Matthew 2:1-12
Conclusion
Life might call some of us to go on a hero’s journey a number of times before we die. There may be a number of different chapters in the final book of our life.
For others the cycle above may take a lifetime.
Life is a journey and the quest is ultimately about finding our True Self and being content and empowered by this.
For a Deeper Dive:
In addition to Christopher Vogler’s "A Practical Guide to The Hero with a Thousand Faces," some other writers who have contributed to the ongoing exploration and interpretation of the Hero's Journey include:
Maureen Murdock: In her book "The Heroine's Journey: Woman's Quest for Wholeness," Murdock explores themes of self-discovery, empowerment, and embracing the feminine aspects of storytelling.
Carol S. Pearson: In "The Hero Within: Six Archetypes We Live By," Pearson identifies six archetypal characters that represent different aspects of the Hero's Journey: Innocent, Orphan, Warrior, Caregiver, Seeker, and Destroyer. Pearson's work delves into the psychological and personal growth aspects of these archetypes, allowing readers to connect with the Hero's Journey on a deeper level.
David Adams Leeming: In "Mythology: The Voyage of the Hero," Leeming examines various cultural mythologies to uncover the common threads of the Hero's Journey. He expands the discussion beyond Campbell's original work by exploring how different cultures and stories contribute to the broader understanding of this narrative structure.
Phil Cousineau: In "The Hero's Journey: The Path of Transformation," Cousineau explores the Hero's Journey through an examination of myth, literature, and personal experiences. He draws from diverse sources to illustrate how the Hero's Journey is a universal pattern that transcends cultural and historical boundaries.