HERO: A MAN OR WOMAN WHO TRIUMPHS OVER OBSTACLES
Unlike Gods, heroes are neither immortal nor all-powerful (4). They are the physical representation of the best attributes of human beings: demonstrating great strength, courage, wisdom, cleverness, or devotion (4). Ancient Greek culture depicts a strong, warrior hero who embarks on quests and faces many hardships (4).
Purpose:
Many Greek myths focus on "the hero's quest," often involving challenging or difficult tasks the hero must complete to achieve a goal (4). There is often magical or supernatural forces at work as well (4). The quest forces the hero to use strength, wits, or both to defeat an enemy or some type of monster that crosses their path in hopes of preventing them from completing the quest (4). Many heroic stories follow the same plot line, outlined by Joseph Campbell, that helps them succeed on their quest and ultimately teach whatever moral or explain whatever concept is intended by the author (5).
- Ordinary World: hero is introduced and has to deal with environmental stressors pulling them in different directions.
- Call to Action: situational change that forces hero to face new changes in life.
- Refusal of the Call: hero fears unknown and briefly refuses call.
- Meeting the Mentor: hero meets experienced person who provides training, equipment, or advice necessary to face upcoming challenges.
- Crossing the Threshold: hero leaves Ordinary World and is faced with new places with unfamiliar rules and values.
- Tests, Allies, Enemies: hero is tested in the Special World, making new alliances as well as enemies.
- Approach: hero and allies prepare for the climactic challenge they must face in the Special World.
- Ordeal, Death & Rebirth: hero either confronts death or faces their greatest fear in the middle of the story. From this "death," the hero is reborn.
- Reward: hero achieves goal/acquires treasure after facing death. There is a possibility of losing the treasure.
- The Road Back: three fourths into the story, the hero must complete the adventure or bring treasure back home safely. There is often a chase scene to stress the urgency or danger involved.
- Resurrection: at the climax, hero is tested upon returning to the Ordinary World. This sacrifice purifies the hero on a higher level than the first death and rebirth. The initial stressors pulling the hero in different directions are finally resolved.
- Return with Elixir: hero finishes journey or returns home with treasure that will change the world as the hero has been changed.
Heroes embody the best qualities in humans, but they almost always start out with nothing. Through the journey, they grow into all these characteristics by facing the challenges along their journey. One can't just tell kids to be kind, compassionate, loving, brave, or smart; these qualities need to be explained through a story.