The Hero Cycle 100 points Name: _________________________ Period: ___
The Hero Cycle- a course of events that occurs as a rite of initiation in every myth, pinpointing the need for mentors, villains, elixirs, and jesters along the way.
Their are 3 stages each of which have a number of substages
Separation-growing up in an isolated community, the initiate (hero) has no vision (and understanding of the larger world outside.) In a moment often accompanied by considerable shock and trauma, the Hero responds to a calling from beyond the walls of the community and determines to venture forth. .
The Call- invites the hero into the adventure.
The Refusal of Call- the hero is presented with some obstacle that could prevent him from going on the journey.
Answering the Call- something prevents the hero from staying or something happens that makes the hero want to go.
Supernatural Aid- a guide or supernatural force that helps the hero along.
Companions- The hero is joined in his journey by a companion or a number of companions.
The Threshold- jumping off point- the threshold between the known and unknown. The Hero actually leaves.
The Threshold Guardians- once the hero decides to leave, there are obstacles that make his leaving difficult.
Entering the Belly of the Whale- the hero finally enters the unknown. Sometimes illustrated through special effects.
Initiation/Transformation- The Hero leaves the security and safety of the former community to explore the outer world. At this point the Hero joins a fellow traveler, a “priest like” figure who is, in fact, the Hero’s Mentor who knows the journey and the ways of the world. Together, along the journey of life, the two encounter obstacles along the way which threaten the completion of the journey. With each encounter, the hero gains a fuller appreciation of the Mentor and self-confidence that will lead him ultimately to independence.
Road of Trials- the hero makes several concentrated efforts- often times failing, but continues to try again.
Meeting with the Goddess- the hero meets with the person he is trying to save, but doesn’t save her then.
Dragon Battle- a smaller battle along the way, but not the real battle that will occur between the hero and his enemy.
Ritual Death- someone important to the hero dies, and usually slows the hero’s process.
Atonement/Recognition by father- an internalized voice, usually of someone who is not with the hero or who has died.
Apotheosis- the hero accomplishes the task and does so in a heroic like fashion. Usually performing some sort of impossible feat, or dodging of the enemy. (Explain in your own words how are hero accomplishes this task)
Return- (to the known world)- upon the return, the hero faces the final stage- the return to everyday life. The hero discovers his gift which has been bestowed upon based on his new level of skill and awareness. The hero may be richer, stronger, or more enlightened or all of the above. The essence of the return is to begin contributing to society. At times the hero may find that upon returning, others do not accept his beliefs.
Refusal to Return- At times, the hero or his companions will not desire to leave and return to their homes.
Rescue from Without- a companion who refused to return home, decides to return based on the hero’s needs.
Crossing Return Threshold- the hero usually faces an obstacle upon trying to return home.
Master of Two Worlds- recognition of the hero by both the rebels as well as those in their homes.
Directions: While you are watching the movie, please track the hero cycle. Simply state where each portion of the cycle occurs.
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Campbell’s Hero |
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SEPARATION SEGMENT OF THE HERO MYTH CYCLE
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YOUR FILM __________________________________ |
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Call to Adventure (s): List here all of the calls to adventure that our hero encounters in this saga.
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Refusal to Call: Does the Hero Refuse their call/ Does our Hero refuse any call? Explain citing examples from film. |
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Answering the Call: What motivates the Hero to answer the call? Explain.
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Supernatural Aid (list)
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Companions (list)
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Crossing the Threshold: Identify all the Known and Unknown locales:
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Known Unknown
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Threshold Guardians: Identify all the guardians of the unknown world.
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Entering the Belly of the Whale When does this occur?
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INITIATION: Who is the Hero’s Mentor?
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Road of Trials: Tests Identify all the tests that our hero has to go through.
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TESTS v v v v v v v v v v v v v v v v v v v v v v v v v |
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Brother-Battle
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Meeting with Goddess
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Abduction
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Dragon Battle
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Ritual Death
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Atonement/Recognition by father
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Apotheosis: Explain in your own words how our hero accomplishes this
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RETURN to the known world
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Refusal to Return
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Rescue from without
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Crossing Return Threshold
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Master of the Two Worlds Does our hero accomplish this? Explain. |
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