Rise and fall: 9 steps of the hero’s journey

The hero’s journey is a common story structure that takes a main character from their everyday life and thrusts them into a challenging world. This journey leads to personal growth and often ends with the hero returning home, sometimes feeling bittersweet.

Joseph Campbell explains this concept in his book “The Hero with a Thousand Faces.” Storytellers the world over use the idea as a framework to help readers understand the complexities of human experiences. This framework offers a deeper view of what it means to be human and how we create stories about our victories and hardships.

The hero’s journey is important because it’s the type of story that gives insights into our own lives. In stories, movies, and even real life, we see heroes rise, face challenges, confront their fears, and come out changed — whether they succeed or not.

Three examples of the hero’s journey

It can be easy to identify the hero’s journey as it plays out in different ways across various media. The following narratives illustrate the stages of the hero’s journey, showcasing characters who face challenges and evolve through their experiences.

1. “The Lord of the Rings” by J.R.R. Tolkien

• Call to adventure: A Hobbit named Frodo Baggins joins the Fellowship of the Ring and volunteers to take the One Ring to Mount Doom to destroy it.
• Trials and challenges: Frodo faces numerous obstacles, including dangerous creatures and the temptation of the Ring.
• Resolution: The Ring is destroyed at great cost to the Fellowship, but peace returns to Middle-earth, marking Frodo’s growth and sacrifice.

2. Disney’s “The Lion King”

• Call to adventure: Simba is destined to become king after the death of his father, Mufasa.
• Trials and challenges: After fleeing due to guilt and grief, Simba must confront his past and his uncle Scar, the villain.
• Resolution: Simba learns about responsibility and embraces his identity when he reclaims his rightful place as king.

3. Nintendo’s “The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time”

• Call to adventure: Link is a young boy who learns about the dangers facing Hyrule, pushing him to leave his home.
• Trials and challenges: Link faces several trials, including navigating dangerous dungeons, solving complex puzzles, and collecting special items, like the Master Sword.
• Resolution: With the combined strength of his allies and the personal wisdom gained through his experiences, Link defeats Ganondorf, saving Hyrule.

9 steps of the hero’s journey

Each step often represents common themes of growth, struggle, and redemption, showing the relationship between dreams and challenges. Not all hero’s journeys follow the framework in a linear way, but these steps are familiar to those who can recognize each stage through a close analysis of the narrative.

1. The introduction

In the hero’s journey, the story begins in the hero’s world. This setting often shows an ordinary person living a simple life, influenced by routines and limitations. The hero’s burning desire for more from life is a key element that will pique the readers’ curiosity. They will learn to understand the hero’s struggles, friendships, and dreams.

This starting environment highlights the stark contrast between their everyday life and the extraordinary journey ahead. It makes it clear that the hero is on the way to something greater beyond their previously unremarkable existence.

2. Call to action

The call to action is a crucial moment that propels the main character into their adventure. This moment often manifests as a challenge, a request for change, or an unexpected event that disrupts the hero’s routine. It ignites their strong desire to grow and evolve, encouraging them to confront their fears and explore the unknown.

This point not only initiates the hero’s quest but also resonates with audiences, reflecting the relatable struggle of stepping out of comfort zones to discover purpose and fulfillment.

3. Cross the threshold

Crossing the threshold marks a pivotal moment where the protagonist leaves behind the familiar world and steps into the unknown. This transition is often filled with a mix of fear, excitement, and anticipation, as the hero relinquishes their comfort zone to embrace new challenges. The hero will confront their initial fears and encounter trials that will lead to growth and transformation.

This moment signifies not just a physical crossing but also a psychological shift, setting the stage for the transformative experiences that lie ahead.

4. Meet the mentor

A key moment full of hope and insight is when the hero meets the mentor. As the hero faces uncertainty in their quest, they will meet an experienced guide with knowledge and wisdom. This person appears at the right time, sharing important insights or tools that help the hero realize their true potential. With a few carefully chosen words or a kind act, the mentor boosts the hero’s confidence and sparks a sense of purpose.

This meeting strengthens the hero’s determination and prepares them for upcoming challenges, reminding them that they are not alone on their journey.

5. First challenge

The first challenge tests the hero’s determination and flexibility. This obstacle might come as a strong opponent, a tricky situation, or an unexpected problem. Facing this challenge pushes the hero to use the lessons learned from their mentor and find their inner strength. Although they might feel doubt or fear, overcoming this first obstacle is crucial for building confidence and starting their transformation.

Successfully dealing with this challenge marks the start of the hero’s growth and commitment to their quest.

6. Temptation

Temptation is a key moment that tests the hero’s strength and values. The hero will inevitably face distracting and tempting offers that promise quick rewards or power. These temptations can lead them away from their true goals. Temptations present a challenge and a chance for personal growth. The hero must confront their weaknesses and make important decisions that shape their character.

By overcoming temptation, the hero strengthens their determination and gains a clearer understanding of their true values, reinforcing their commitment to the journey ahead.

7. Dark inner moment

The dark inner moment is where the protagonist confronts their deepest fears and vulnerabilities. This pivotal point typically occurs after initial acts of bravery that might or might not have been successful. The fallout from these acts of bravery will plunge the hero into despair and self-doubt. Faced with overwhelming challenges, the hero’s feelings of isolation will cause them to question their purpose and abilities. The hero must dig deep, reflect on their journey thus far, and realize that the only way out of the dark is to move forward.

This struggle serves as a crucial catalyst, forging resilience and clarity, and setting the stage for the hero’s eventual triumph.

8. The final battle

In the final battle of the hero’s journey, the main character faces their biggest fears and enemies. This showdown tests their strength, determination, and growth. It usually happens in a barren battlefield or the enemy’s stronghold. As the hero fights, they use the lessons they learned along the way, finding courage in their friends and wisdom in their experiences.

The result not only shapes the fate of their world but also signifies a change in the hero, marking their rise as a true champion.

9. Return home

In the hero’s journey, returning home is an important stage. The hero returns to their normal life, changed by the experiences and challenges they faced during their adventure. This return often brings a feeling of achievement and new wisdom. When they return, they might struggle to fit back in since their world might have changed, or they have changed so much that they feel like they don’t fit in their old life.

This stage shows the hero’s personal growth, how their journey affects both themselves and their community. It highlights that true heroism isn’t just about winning glory; it’s also about bringing knowledge and strength back to the people they care about.