A Hero's Journey Analysis

Heros come in all shapes and sizes. Anyone can be a hero ; however, not everyone has what it takes to become one. Every hero has a purpose; in order to become a hero, one must overcome stages in which they will learn what it really takes to become a hero. The first stage is called the ordinary world. The hero lives in the ordinary world. This is where we meet the hero in his ordinary life. Next, is the call to adventure; the call to adventure is the climax of the story. This presents a conflict or challenge in the ordinary world that must be undertaken by the hero. Refusal to the is the next stage in the story. A hero may have many reasons to refuse to accept the challenge. For instance, people have many duties in their ordinary life: family, friends, work, responsibilities.

Also, fear is a major element in which they might refuse to accept a challenge.

The next stage is the mentor. The mentor helps motivate the hero into accepting the challenge. The mentor doesn't have to necessarily be a person, it can be an object such as a map, a logbook, or hieroglyphics. When the hero accepts the journey, it is called crossing the threshold. A variety of tests, allies, and even enemies will be crossed between the hero's path. In order for the hero to succeed in his challenge, he must overcome his biggest fear. This is where the ordeal comes along. This is where the hero will overcome his most difficult

challenges. He will look death right in the eye and be prepared for whatever happens next. After the hero overcomes his challenge; or in some cases if he overcomes his challenge, he will be rewarded. This is where the hero achieves his goals. This reward can be many different things. For example, a magic sword, an elixir, greater knowledge, insight, etc… As the hero is taking the road back to the ordinary world, anytimes he will not want to go back. I wouldn't blame them, who would want to go back to an ordinary world. The resurrection is the most dangerous challenge of all. His most dangerous meeting with death. If the hero survives his last meeting with death, he will return with an elixir. Many times the elixir is something he brings back to the people. However it can also be something personal that he will use only for himself. This is what it takes to become a hero.