

We may see evidence of hamartia or a fatal flaw in the hero at this early point in the story. Often, this hero will change over the course of the story. It’s the starting point, and it gives a glimpse into the character of the hero before the adventure begins. Ordinary World - This step refers to the hero's normal life at the start of the story, before the adventure begins.The 12 steps of the hero's journey include: In his book, The Writer's Journey, Christopher Vogler, a Hollywood consultant, simplified Joseph Campbell's hero's journey into only 12 steps. Freedom to Live - The hero acclimates back into their mundane life and lives peacefully.Ĭhristopher Vogler's 12 Step Hero's Journey.Master of Two Worlds - Since the hero has been on the journey, they need to learn to balance their mundane life and the world they experienced on the journey.Crossing the Return Threshold - The hero crosses back into their mundane world.Rescue From Without - Again an outside source or mentor works to guide them home and rescue them from those chasing them.In this step, the hero works to evade those chasing them. Magic Flight - Though the hero has answered their call and completed the reason for their journey, they are still chased by others.Refusal of Return - The first step of the return stage, the hero is initially reluctant to return to their mundane life.Ultimate Boon - The final step of the initiation stage, this step is where the hero fulfills the reason for their journey.This is the moment that the hero gains profound understanding or knowledge that helps them to prevail. Apotheosis - From the previous step, the hero learns how they will face the rest of the journey.The hero might face a villain or even their own doubt. Atonement With the Father - One of the major turning points of the story where the hero faces the ultimate reason for the journey.Woman as Temptress - The temptation that arises to try to get the hero to abandon the journey.

Meeting With the Goddess - The hero meets the allies that will help them through their journey.They learn from their mistakes in this step. Road of Trials - The first step of the initiation stage, these are the trials the hero undergoes and the beginning of the change in some aspect of the hero.This step is the end of the departure stage. Belly of the Whale - In this stage, the hero encounters the first obstacle after leaving on the journey.

