Joseph Campbell was Professor

A thousand times

Monomyth logo, symbolising the heroes journey and the pre and post climatic tension.

Campbell’s premise is that all stories encompass essentially the same plot, which has been interpreted and reinterpreted by many people. Since his ideas were used successfully in Star Wars there have been many versions of the basic hero’s journey. There are versions which have as few as 9 steps and other versions with as many as many as 501!

 

Something New

Michael Wise Productions IBSN 978-1-932907-36-0I should mention that it is typical of the writing fraternity that recently there is a reaction against The Hero’s journey. Suggestions are being made that we should abandon Campbell’s and try “something new”. I personally can see no reason why utilising “something new” cannot be added to the hero’s journey rather than replacing it it

After a number of experiments I have settled on the 18 step version (close to but not identical to that used by Christopher Vogler) which gives a number of useful prompts to the story structure without  any stultifying constraints resulting from the application of voluminous supporting notes.The essential features of the resultant plot are given in the following topics.

 

The Unknown World

In it’s most basic form the hero’s journey requires the hero to visit an unknown world where challenges, both physical and emotional must be faced. A football player transfers to a new team, a young couple is invited to an “A” list dinner, a young man is invited to meet his girlfriends parents.

There is always a return to the “normal” world and the hero always brings something back.  Sometimes it is only an appreciation for everything the normal world has to offer, though more usually, new skills and contacts mean that, for the hero at least, the “normal” world will never be quite the same.

In the New World

The essential part of any hero's journey. the visit to the unknown world.Campbell has a series of sub steps which he has given mystical names ( one of them is “the belly of the whale”). the purpose of such ambiguous is allow for the creative instincts of the author in interpreting the meaning of each sub step in their own unique story.

I have struggled to find meaning in some of Campbell’s teaching but at the same time I sympathise with the overall concept.

To aid comprehension I have limited my first view to only five essential steps. Each one is then given sub steps but in truth, every author could prefer a different title for each sub step. 

Visit to the unknown world

Sub events of leaving the normal worldThe sub steps I have chosen are:-

The call to adventure –  This is the initiating event which launches the quest.

Refusing the call – The internal torment of self doubt or inertia. This makes the character more appealing not only to the reader but to the writer as well.

Gatekeepers and mentors – Gatekeepers counsel against action or actively take steps to prevent the action. Mentors on the other hand  and or who provide support, instruction and inspiration.

Crossing the threshold – The action commences. the decision is taken ( or forced upon the hero) to move forward despite apprehension and or foreboding.

Develop new skills

Sub events of first interaction with the new world and the developing of skills.

In the new world the hero experiences many challenges and by coping with the challenges gains new skills.

The sub steps I have chosen are:-

Acceptance of the new world – Commitment to face challenges. Objectives are set.

Trials, Allies and Enemies –  A realisation of the risks which must be taken. Who will help  and who will hinder overcome the obstacles?

The test

Sub events of surviving the testThe hero is faced with the ultimate test, which is not necessarily a single event.

The sub steps I have chosen are:-

Meeting the soulmate – An experience of love which brings substance and legitimacy to the quest.

Temptation- The return of self  doubt. Consideration of abandoning the quest

Ordeal- Courage is not the absence of fear or despair but the strength to overcome them.

Obtaining the Prize – the result of having faced the ordeal and survived,  which can be  material possessions, emotional development or spiritual insights.

Escape

Sub events of returning with the prize

Escape From the Unknown World.

Others desire the prize and continue to plot to obtain it. All heroes return to the normal world with a prize . It may be material or magical possessions or even a new self awareness.For this the sub steps i have chosen are:-

Refusal of return- the third encounter with self doubt. A desire to remain in the unknown World

The Magic flight – The escape strategy which ignores risk and requires good fortune.

The Rescue – The external, unexpected help which makes the escape strategy achievable.

The Return Threshold – Acceptance that a return to the real world is not only unavoidable but necessary.

Return to the normal world

Sub events of rejoining the normal worldAt the end of the journey the hero, changed by the experience, returns to the real world which is unchanged . It is by no means certain that the normal world will look favourably on the change or be prepared to benefit the hero’s new possessions or enhanced skill sets.

The sub steps I have chosen are:-

Mastering two worlds –  successfully rejoining the real world overcoming opposition and sharing the prize.

Freedom to live – a moment of stability and contentment before accepting the next challenge.

Presentation

full array of sub events for the hero's journeyMy intention is to now merge this version of the Hero’s Journey with a structure of acts to allow control of tension and story development. To do this it is necessary to display all the sub steps around the periphery.