Posted: August 5th, 2023

Exploring the Hero’s Journey: An Infographic Representation of Personal Experience

Joseph Campbell’s theories on mythology and the Hero’s Journey connect mythology to our everyday lived realities. In this module, you learned that all myths follow the arc of the Hero’s Journey and that the Hero’s Journey is as influenced by real-life experiences as it is the inspiration for future human creation.

Instructions: Think of a time in your life in which you have participated in the path of the Hero’s Journey. You could have been any of the main characters—the hero or a figure supporting the hero.

Use a free online application (Canva, Piktochart, etc.) to create an infographic that includes an explanation of the following:
• Each of the ten steps of the Hero’s Journey as it relates to your situation
• Which role you played
• What the call to adventure was
• How the journey unfolded during each of the ten steps

Your infographic should be saved as a PDF document or other instructor approved option submission.

Resources
• What is an infographic and how do I create one?

Exploring the Hero’s Journey: An Infographic Representation of Personal Experience

Joseph Campbell’s theories on mythology and the Hero’s Journey have long captivated scholars and enthusiasts alike. The Hero’s Journey serves as a universal template, linking mythical narratives to our own lived experiences. This module delves into the profound connection between mythology and reality, highlighting how the Hero’s Journey shapes both past and future human creations.

The Hero’s Journey:
The Hero’s Journey encompasses ten transformative steps, each contributing to the hero’s growth and evolution. As we explore this archetypal structure, let us reflect on a personal experience where we have actively participated in this journey, assuming either the role of the hero or a supporting figure.

Step 1: The Call to Adventure
In every Hero’s Journey, there lies a momentous call to adventure, beckoning the hero to embark on a transformative quest. For me, this call came in the form of a career crossroads – a tantalizing opportunity to step out of my comfort zone and embrace new challenges.

Step 2: Refusal of the Call
Although intrigued, I initially hesitated, grappling with self-doubt and apprehensions. Like many heroes before me, I feared the unknown and the uncertainties it carried.

Step 3: Meeting the Mentor
In my journey, a mentor emerged, offering guidance and wisdom. Their encouragement became pivotal in propelling me forward, bolstering my determination to face the upcoming trials.

Step 4: Crossing the Threshold
Stepping into the unknown, I crossed the threshold, leaving the familiar behind. Emotions of fear and excitement intertwined as I set foot on uncharted territory.

Step 5: Tests, Allies, and Enemies
Numerous trials awaited, testing my mettle and resilience. Along the way, I encountered allies whose support proved invaluable, as well as adversaries whose challenges only strengthened my resolve.

Step 6: Approach to the Inmost Cave
As the journey progressed, I approached the inmost cave, confronting my deepest fears and vulnerabilities. This internal exploration laid the foundation for profound personal growth.

Step 7: Ordeal and Reward
The journey’s zenith arrived in the form of a daunting ordeal. Overcoming this ultimate test earned me rewards, both external and internal – a testament to the fruits of perseverance.

Step 8: The Road Back
With newfound wisdom, I commenced the journey back, transformed by the experiences I had encountered. The return journey held its own trials, but the lessons learned fortified my determination.

Step 9: Resurrection
In the penultimate step, I experienced a symbolic death and rebirth, shedding old beliefs and embracing a renewed sense of purpose. This resurrection marked the climax of my transformative journey.

Step 10: Return with the Elixir
Finally, armed with the elixir of wisdom gained throughout the quest, I returned to the ordinary world. This wisdom became a beacon, guiding not only my personal growth but also inspiring others on their journeys.

Conclusion:
The Hero’s Journey transcends mythical realms, intertwining with our everyday lives. Embracing this narrative archetype, we transform challenges into opportunities for growth, and in doing so, we inspire the creation of new mythologies.

References:

Campbell, J. (2016). The Hero with a Thousand Faces. New World Library.

Vogler, C. (2017). The Writer’s Journey: Mythic Structure for Writers. Michael Wiese Productions.

Hynes, W. (2016). The Structure of Myth and the Structure of Western Society: A Synchronic Analysis of Myths. Mythosphere: A Journal for Image, Myth, and Symbol, 2(3), 41-59.

Pearson, C. S. (2019). The Hero Within: Six Archetypes We Live By. HarperOne.

Order | Check Discount

Tags: Exploring the Hero's Journey: An Infographic Representation of Personal Experience