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Heroic Cycle

Today we talked about the Heroic Cycle (called the Monomyth by Joseph Campbell). Basically, it is the pattern for most, if not all, stories that include a hero. I thought I'd give you a bit info on that subject before we get started on The Odyssey. You will all write about a film, eventually, using the five-stage model I discussed in class:

(1) Call to Adventure
(2) Crossing the Threshold
(3) Trials and Tribulations
(4) Reward and/or Enlightenment
(5) The Return & Sharing the Wealth

Some versions only give you three main stages -- Separation, Initiation, and Return -- and some include many more, like this one:



Notice that, although the image is reversed, it includes the same elements (and provides examples).

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