Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s Journey

Joseph Campbell

• American Mythologist and Writer

• His theory: “All mythic narratives follow a common pattern regardless of their time of creation.”

• “The Hero with A Thousand Faces”

The Hero’s Journey in Pop Culture

• Star Wars• Finding Nemo• The Matrix• Harry Potter• Lord of the Rings• The Hunger Games• Batman Begins, The

Dark Knight, and The Dark Knight Rises

According to Campbell, there are 17 stages in the Hero’s Journey.12 stages were shown in the sections of Beowulf that we read.

Departure1) Call to Adventure: The Hero is presented with an

adventure.2) Refusal of the Call: The Hero refuses the

adventure.3) Supernatural Aid: A magical being serves as a

guide or gives the hero a magical power.4) Crossing the First Threshold: The hero crosses the

first step of the adventure.5) The Belly of the Whale: The realization that life is

changing.

Initiation6) The Road of Trials: The hero faces a series

of tasks and tests that must be completed to continue.

7) Apotheosis: A period of rest, peace, and fulfillment before the hero begins his or her return.

8) The Ultimate Boon: The hero achieves the goal of the quest.

The Return9) The Magical Flight: The hero must escape

with the boon.10) The Crossing of the Return Threshold:

Hero takes the wisdom learned on the journey and uses it in everyday life.

11) Master of the Two Worlds: The hero learns to balance between his old and new life.

12) Freedom to Live: The hero no longer fears death and is able to live in the moment.

Departure in Finding Nemo

Call to Adventure: Nemo is caught by the men in the boat.

Refusal of the Call: Marlin (Nemo’s dad) is afraid to swim in the open ocean.

Supernatural Aid: Marlin meets Dory. She teaches Marlin to not be afraid.

Crossing the First Threshold: Dory convinces Marlin to leave the safe part of the ocean to save Nemo. They pass Bruce & the sharks.

The Belly of the Whale: Marlin and Dory are in the belly of the whale. They realize they need help to find Nemo.

InitiationThe Road of Trials:

Marlin and Dory must navigate through a series of tasks to get to Australia.

Apotheosis: Marlin and Dory rest with Crush and Squirt in the current.

The Ultimate Boon: Marlin and Dory reach Sydney Harbor and save Nemo.

The ReturnThe Magical Flight: Marlin

must return to his coral reef with Nemo and Dory.

Crossing the Return Threshold: Marlin and Dory follow the path they learned to return to the reef.

Master of Two Worlds: Marlin learns to allow Nemo to explore and grow up while still being a protective and loving father.

Freedom to Live: Marlin is no longer afraid of the open ocean.