Because everyone loves a good story
Stage Ten: The Road Back
Vacations, sunsets, great books, delicious meals: we’re told that all good things must come to an end. For the hero, even the Special World of the adventure must come to a close eventually. But how does the hero return home? Via the Road Back.
Stage Nine: Reward
You know that feeling when you finally finish something nearly impossible? Of course you do. The real question is, what do you do afterward? The ninth stage of the Hero’s Journey is that of Reward. Read on to find out how heroes celebrate and how they’re changed.
Stage Eight: The Ordeal
What do Gandalf, the Blue Ranger, and Jesus have in common? Before you tie me to a stake as a heretic, read on to find the answer! The eighth stage of the Hero’s Journey is that of The Ordeal, and this post delves into the significance of death and resurrection in literature and life. Read it all; you won’t regret it.
Stage Seven: Approach to the Inmost Cave
At the heart of every adventure lies an ultimate battle—for good, for gold, or even for glory. But in order to reach that battle, the hero must first undergo the Approach to the Inmost Cave.
Stage Six: Tests, Allies, and Enemies
Who shot first: Han or Greedo? Whether you have a strong opinion or couldn’t care less, that question probably still conjured up images of the cantina scene on Mos Eisley, didn’t it? This scene from Star Wars: A New Hope is a classic example of the “watering hole” scene in many adventure stories, and it’s a great introduction to Stage Six of the Hero’s Journey: Tests, Allies, and Enemies.
Stage Five: Crossing the First Threshold
The journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step, and such is the case for my backpacking trip to Yosemite and Bilbo Baggins’ adventure to the Misty Mountains. Check out my blog post for photos of my exhaustion and an explanation of Crossing the First Threshold.
Stage Four: Meeting with the Mentor
Master and apprentice. Jedi and Padawan. Executive chef and sous chef. Store manager and shelf stocker. As you can see, the world is full of Mentors. Read on to discover the requirements of and alternatives to this important character!
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