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The Hero's Journey

6 min readnovember 18, 2021

The Hero’s Journey 

Have you noticed that most adventure books follow a similar pattern? As in: 

  • The hero is faced with a challenge… 😲

  • A mentor helps him train… 🤺

  • ...and then he is able to defeat his strongest enemy. 👊

This is not a coincidence. Most authors follow a specific structure that is known as a monomyth or “The Hero’s Journey. If you're writing a story it can help you find somewhere to start. If you're a student, this structure can help you understand the basic elements you should look for when reading a novel. 

https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2F-l4D17973zYS0.png?alt=media&token=5432078c-8e19-42c8-ba5d-ef5520f070d7

Image courtesy of Wikipedia

1st Act (The Known)

In the first arc of the hero's journey, we are introduced to the setting of the novel. Typically, it features the very first quest of the protagonist as well as their encounter with the mentor who'll guide them through this first quest. This arc will come to an end once the hero defeats their first villain. 🥊

1. The Ordinary World 

This part of the novel builds the world the book takes place in. It consists of exposition by introducing the main characters, the setting, and may even hint towards a problem. 

💡 Example: In the Percy Jackson and the Olympians universe, author Rick Riordan establishes that the ordinary world is not something that Percy Jackson can adapt to after discovering his powers as Poseidon's son. He introduces characters like Grover (a satyr) and Chiron (a centaur) almost immediately during the first act. 

2. Call to Adventure 

Here, the hero is introduced to an alternate world or is forced to accept an adventure. This serves as the catalyst for their entire journey. 🧪

💡 Example: In The Hunger Games when Katniss feels compelled to volunteer as tribute to protect her sister Primrose. This decision leads to Katniss entering the world of the Capitol and eventually accept her position as a rebel against the current administration.

https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2F-cKWKpIyHA5Fi.gif?alt=media&token=8c49b68a-673c-4e2a-a42e-881417368e28

GIF courtesy of Gfycat 

3. Refusal of the Call 

Oftentimes, the hero refuses to accept their calling. This may be because they do not have any self-worth, feel as if a mistake has been made in choosing them, or remain in a state of denial of their supposed call to adventure (away from normalcy). 😒 

💡 Example: Frozen is a classic example of one refusing their destiny. Elsa feels that her cursed powers make her unworthy for Arendelle's throne. Thus, she decides to run away from her responsibilities as queen.  

4. Meeting the Mentor 

The hero often meets with a mentor to conquer their qualms about the quest. The mentor usually convinces them that it is their destiny. Sometimes, they may even give the protagonist a special weapon or wisdom that will be useful in their trial. 🙏

💡 Example: Mufasa (from the Lion King) serves as a parental figure and role model to Simba by illustrating how a good king rules his people. His influence in Simba's life sets Simba up for when his father dies and he is forced to reconcile with his past to help his people. 

https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2F-JgHCNONsZPqX.gif?alt=media&token=78ee50aa-e0a0-4b2f-8d2d-8e9940f8585a

5. Crossing the Threshold 

The "threshold" is the first quest that the hero engages in, and is meant to gauge the strengths and weaknesses of the hero. It is also used to prove to the hero that they are able to conquer their enemies and increase their self-esteem. 🏹

💡 Example: In the epic poem Beowulf, the protagonist defeats the monster Grendel. It elevates Beowulf’s status and allows him to pursue even more dangerous creatures. 

2nd Act (The Adventure)

This is the middle part of the hero’s arc. This is where the Hero must face various enemies and eventually start preparing for his ultimate fight. 

6. Tests, Allies, Enemies

Yep, it's exactly what the name suggests. The hero must face various tests and enemies and find new allies to help them come out on top! 😄

💡 Example: In Avengers: Infinity War, Thor, Iron Man, Captain America must all face smaller enemies and make new alliances and reconcile before they fight Thanos. Without this crucial step, it's impossible to put up a proper fight.

7. Approaching the Inner Cave 

This is when the hero starts preparing specifically to defeat the most dangerous enemy (usually their archenemy). They are forced to undergo rigorous training and are put through immense hardship. 🔨

💡 Example: In Kung Fu Panda, Po must transform himself from a lazy panda into a warrior who is able to use a destructive move on his opponent as he prepares to defeat Shifu’s former protege Tai Lung.  

https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2F-EqVAS6ZB4GPM.gif?alt=media&token=eff98a58-4c9c-4a30-8783-141608364e0d

GIF courtesy of Tenor

8. The Ordeal

The "ordeal" is when the hero realizes the sacrifice they must make in order to save society as a whole. This often involves the hero facing a near-death situation in which they believe they cannot survive. 😭

💡 Example: The most glaring example of this is in the Harry Potter series when the young wizard realizes he is the final Horcrux. He must sacrifice himself in order to weaken Voldemort enough. 

9. Seize the Reward

This is when the hero resurrects or recovers from the life-threatening situation mentioned above. They are able to defeat their enemy and be victorious. 🥇

💡 Example: A clear example of seizing the reward is when Harry returns from the dead and engages in an epic battle with Voldemort. When he finally defeats the dark wizard, he is triumphant and has saved the wizarding world from a tragedy. 

3nd Act (Chance to Make it Right)

This often follows the hero’s journey on their way back home and shows how much they have grown through their experiences. 

10. The Road Back Home 

The hero now journeys back home with his newfound knowledge but finds himself in a tough spot once more. 🚤

💡 Example: This is seen in Homer's epics as Odysseus voyages back home in which he is shipwrecked and is unable to come home as quickly as he wanted. 

11. Resurrection, Atonement  

This is the final life-or-death situation; however, the hero uses their wits and intelligence to find a way out rather than accepting that they must sacrifice themselves. 🧠

💡 Example: Moana faces the wrath of Te Fiti; however, instead of trying to fight back using pure strength, she uses her empathy in order to return the heart of Te Fiti back to its rightful owner. In doing so, she has learned from her previous failures and knows that empathy is a better tool than fighting.

12. Return with the Elixir 

The "elixir" is the conclusion of the hero’s story. It does not need to be some type of magical potion; however, the hero must bring their wisdom back to society and help reform their ways. 👍

💡 Example: In Zootopia, both Nick and Judy show society that prey and predators can get along. They, then, become a lasting example of unity and inclusiveness!

When looking at the 12 phases altogether, the Hero’s Journey is truly fundamental to understanding how to interpret and write adventure stories. Make sure to look for these components next time you pick up a book. Happy reading! 📖

🤝Connect with other students studying English with Hours

The Hero's Journey

6 min readnovember 18, 2021

The Hero’s Journey 

Have you noticed that most adventure books follow a similar pattern? As in: 

  • The hero is faced with a challenge… 😲

  • A mentor helps him train… 🤺

  • ...and then he is able to defeat his strongest enemy. 👊

This is not a coincidence. Most authors follow a specific structure that is known as a monomyth or “The Hero’s Journey. If you're writing a story it can help you find somewhere to start. If you're a student, this structure can help you understand the basic elements you should look for when reading a novel. 

https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2F-l4D17973zYS0.png?alt=media&token=5432078c-8e19-42c8-ba5d-ef5520f070d7

Image courtesy of Wikipedia

1st Act (The Known)

In the first arc of the hero's journey, we are introduced to the setting of the novel. Typically, it features the very first quest of the protagonist as well as their encounter with the mentor who'll guide them through this first quest. This arc will come to an end once the hero defeats their first villain. 🥊

1. The Ordinary World 

This part of the novel builds the world the book takes place in. It consists of exposition by introducing the main characters, the setting, and may even hint towards a problem. 

💡 Example: In the Percy Jackson and the Olympians universe, author Rick Riordan establishes that the ordinary world is not something that Percy Jackson can adapt to after discovering his powers as Poseidon's son. He introduces characters like Grover (a satyr) and Chiron (a centaur) almost immediately during the first act. 

2. Call to Adventure 

Here, the hero is introduced to an alternate world or is forced to accept an adventure. This serves as the catalyst for their entire journey. 🧪

💡 Example: In The Hunger Games when Katniss feels compelled to volunteer as tribute to protect her sister Primrose. This decision leads to Katniss entering the world of the Capitol and eventually accept her position as a rebel against the current administration.

https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2F-cKWKpIyHA5Fi.gif?alt=media&token=8c49b68a-673c-4e2a-a42e-881417368e28

GIF courtesy of Gfycat 

3. Refusal of the Call 

Oftentimes, the hero refuses to accept their calling. This may be because they do not have any self-worth, feel as if a mistake has been made in choosing them, or remain in a state of denial of their supposed call to adventure (away from normalcy). 😒 

💡 Example: Frozen is a classic example of one refusing their destiny. Elsa feels that her cursed powers make her unworthy for Arendelle's throne. Thus, she decides to run away from her responsibilities as queen.  

4. Meeting the Mentor 

The hero often meets with a mentor to conquer their qualms about the quest. The mentor usually convinces them that it is their destiny. Sometimes, they may even give the protagonist a special weapon or wisdom that will be useful in their trial. 🙏

💡 Example: Mufasa (from the Lion King) serves as a parental figure and role model to Simba by illustrating how a good king rules his people. His influence in Simba's life sets Simba up for when his father dies and he is forced to reconcile with his past to help his people. 

https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2F-JgHCNONsZPqX.gif?alt=media&token=78ee50aa-e0a0-4b2f-8d2d-8e9940f8585a

5. Crossing the Threshold 

The "threshold" is the first quest that the hero engages in, and is meant to gauge the strengths and weaknesses of the hero. It is also used to prove to the hero that they are able to conquer their enemies and increase their self-esteem. 🏹

💡 Example: In the epic poem Beowulf, the protagonist defeats the monster Grendel. It elevates Beowulf’s status and allows him to pursue even more dangerous creatures. 

2nd Act (The Adventure)

This is the middle part of the hero’s arc. This is where the Hero must face various enemies and eventually start preparing for his ultimate fight. 

6. Tests, Allies, Enemies

Yep, it's exactly what the name suggests. The hero must face various tests and enemies and find new allies to help them come out on top! 😄

💡 Example: In Avengers: Infinity War, Thor, Iron Man, Captain America must all face smaller enemies and make new alliances and reconcile before they fight Thanos. Without this crucial step, it's impossible to put up a proper fight.

7. Approaching the Inner Cave 

This is when the hero starts preparing specifically to defeat the most dangerous enemy (usually their archenemy). They are forced to undergo rigorous training and are put through immense hardship. 🔨

💡 Example: In Kung Fu Panda, Po must transform himself from a lazy panda into a warrior who is able to use a destructive move on his opponent as he prepares to defeat Shifu’s former protege Tai Lung.  

https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2F-EqVAS6ZB4GPM.gif?alt=media&token=eff98a58-4c9c-4a30-8783-141608364e0d

GIF courtesy of Tenor

8. The Ordeal

The "ordeal" is when the hero realizes the sacrifice they must make in order to save society as a whole. This often involves the hero facing a near-death situation in which they believe they cannot survive. 😭

💡 Example: The most glaring example of this is in the Harry Potter series when the young wizard realizes he is the final Horcrux. He must sacrifice himself in order to weaken Voldemort enough. 

9. Seize the Reward

This is when the hero resurrects or recovers from the life-threatening situation mentioned above. They are able to defeat their enemy and be victorious. 🥇

💡 Example: A clear example of seizing the reward is when Harry returns from the dead and engages in an epic battle with Voldemort. When he finally defeats the dark wizard, he is triumphant and has saved the wizarding world from a tragedy. 

3nd Act (Chance to Make it Right)

This often follows the hero’s journey on their way back home and shows how much they have grown through their experiences. 

10. The Road Back Home 

The hero now journeys back home with his newfound knowledge but finds himself in a tough spot once more. 🚤

💡 Example: This is seen in Homer's epics as Odysseus voyages back home in which he is shipwrecked and is unable to come home as quickly as he wanted. 

11. Resurrection, Atonement  

This is the final life-or-death situation; however, the hero uses their wits and intelligence to find a way out rather than accepting that they must sacrifice themselves. 🧠

💡 Example: Moana faces the wrath of Te Fiti; however, instead of trying to fight back using pure strength, she uses her empathy in order to return the heart of Te Fiti back to its rightful owner. In doing so, she has learned from her previous failures and knows that empathy is a better tool than fighting.

12. Return with the Elixir 

The "elixir" is the conclusion of the hero’s story. It does not need to be some type of magical potion; however, the hero must bring their wisdom back to society and help reform their ways. 👍

💡 Example: In Zootopia, both Nick and Judy show society that prey and predators can get along. They, then, become a lasting example of unity and inclusiveness!

When looking at the 12 phases altogether, the Hero’s Journey is truly fundamental to understanding how to interpret and write adventure stories. Make sure to look for these components next time you pick up a book. Happy reading! 📖

🤝Connect with other students studying English with Hours



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AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.


© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.