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.

Awesome Children’s Books: A Brief Hiatus from the Hero’s Journey

I’m of the opinion that a well-written children’s book will be enjoyed by humans of all ages. C.S. Lewis agrees, saying, “I am almost inclined to set it up as a canon that a children’s story which is enjoyed only by children is a bad children’s story.”

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!

Stage Three: Refusal of the Call to Adventure

If a hero refuses a Call to Adventure in a story and somebody is there to hear it, is he still a hero? Find the answer to this and other pressing questions in my newest post, “Stage Three: The Refusal of the Call to Adventure.”

Think Spring: A Small Tribute to the Season

If you were to pay tribute to one facet of spring, what would it be? I’ve lived for years in both Michigan and South Texas, and I can tell you that spring is a season of hope, wonder, and delight no matter where you’re…

Stage Two: The Call to Adventure

What do Star Wars, The Hobbit, Joseph Campbell, and this article have in common? Click here to find out in “Stage Two: The Call to Adventure.”