What is the hero’s journey? The hero’s journey is a common narrative archetype, or story template, that involves a hero who goes on an adventure, learns a lesson, wins a victory with that newfound knowledge, and then returns home transformed.
What are the archetypal characters in a hero’s journey?
The seven most common archetypes are:
Hero
A hero willingly sacrifices their needs for others. They are actively learning and doing, and undergo transformation. They are flawed beings that have universal qualities.
Mentor
A teacher or trainer who aids the hero by teaching and protecting them. The mentor motivates the hero to overcome their fears and also prepares them for the journey.
Threshold Guardian
A character who serves to keep the unworthy from entering. They cluster around thresholds, and can be overcome by being passed or made into an ally. These guardians serve to test the hero’s character and commitment to the journey.
Herald
A character (or item) that issues challenges and announces coming change. Heralds serve to motivate the hero into action.
Shadow
This aspect represents the “dark side;” villains, antagonists, and enemies. These characters often do not think of themselves as villains and serve to challenge the hero. By being a worthy opponent they create conflict to bring out the hero’s best.
Trickster
The embodiment of mischief, this character desires to create change. They serve to ground the hero by pointing out their follies and serve as comic relief. Tricksters are frequently a catalyst who causes healthy transformations.
Shapeshifter
A shifting or unstable character, often of the opposite sex. They mislead the hero and act as a catalyst of change by bringing in doubt and suspense.
What is the hero’s journey in psychology?
Overall, the hero’s outer journey is a representation of an inner, psychological journey that involves “leaving one condition and finding the source of life to bring you forth into a richer or mature condition” (Campbell, 1988, p. 152).