The Hero's Journey

Where we first meet our hero before anything extraordinary happens.

• The Ordeal

• Approach the Inmost Cave

• The Ordinary World

• Call to Adventure

An event that interrupts the hero's ordinary life. This event presents the hero with a challenge that cannot be ignored.

• Refusal of the Call

• The Ordinary World

• Crossing the Threshold

• Call to Adventure

The hero heads home, triumphant. S/He brings back their knowledge or "elixir" and applies it to the ordinary world. This is the true reward for the journey and transformation.

• Approach the Inmost Cave

• Return with the Elixir

• The Reward

• Atonement/ Resurrection

This part of the hero's journey is where all the preparations for the final conflict occur.

• The Ordeal

• Crossing the Threshold

• The Refusal of the Call

• Approach the Inmost Cave

The hero experiences and is transformed by a series of tests, tasks, or challenges. The hero usually fails one or more of these tests, which often occur in threes.

• Magic Flight or Fight

• Ultimate Boon

• Return Threshold

• Road of Trials

This is the point where the hero accepts his destiny and goes on his journey.

• Approach the Inmost Cave

• Crossing the Threshold

• The Reward

• Call to Adventure

The hero begins the adventure, leaving the known limits of his or her world to venture into an unknown and dangerous realm where the rules and limits are unknown.

• Call to Adventure

• Road of Trials

• Beginning of the Adventure

• Ultimate Boon

This is when a hero has overcome his greatest fear and is rewarded.

• The Road Back

• The Reward

• The Refusal

• Atonement/ Resurrection

The future hero often refuses to accept the call to adventure. The refusal may stem from a sense of duty, an obligation, a fear, or insecurity.

• Call to Adventure

• Refusal of the Return

• Refusal of the Call

• Beginning of the Adventure

Imagine you're on an epic quest with Mia and Elijah, and you're gearing up for the ultimate showdown. Which part of the hero's journey are you in?

• The Ordeal

• Crossing the Threshold

• The Refusal of the Call

• Approach the Inmost Cave