The Hero's Journey
The Monomyth
What makes a person a hero? We all have different ideas of heroism. Think about what defines a hero for YOU and post your answer on the appropriate Padlet board link below.
Period 1: click HERE
Period 2: click HERE
Period 3: click HERE
Period 4: click HERE
Period 5: click HERE
Period 6: click HERE
Period 7: click HERE
Period 1: click HERE
Period 2: click HERE
Period 3: click HERE
Period 4: click HERE
Period 5: click HERE
Period 6: click HERE
Period 7: click HERE
In the 1980's, a college professor named Joseph Campbell noticed something amazing. He noticed that all of the heroes of in all of the myths, all around the world, all through time shared something - were similar in some way. As Campbell continued his research, he realized these it wasn't just some ethereal characteristic the heroic characters shared but rather all of the myths were based on the SAME PLOT! Campbell called this plot, The Monomyth, or the Hero's Journey.
Watch the video below and take notes as you watch. (Specifically take note of the steps of the hero's journey as identified by the green question marks.)
Watch the video below and take notes as you watch. (Specifically take note of the steps of the hero's journey as identified by the green question marks.)
The graphic below depicts the steps of the hero's journey as well.
Let's Practice
Although it seems hard to believe that EVERY culture, THROUGHOUT time, created stories that follow this plot, it is true! Let's explore a heroic tale or two together, then watch the following video.
Although it seems hard to believe that EVERY culture, THROUGHOUT time, created stories that follow this plot, it is true! Let's explore a heroic tale or two together, then watch the following video.
Assessments
1) Application of the Monomyth e-worksheet
Now, practice on your own. Think of a tale that features a hero. Make sure you know this tale well! Click HERE to complete the assessment in which you will need to decide which parts of your chosen tale fall into the steps of the Hero's Journey.
2) Write your own Monomyth
We have explored monomyth's written by others so now it is time to write your own.
Let's practice together first. Look at one of the artworks included below.
The actual assessment is to choose one of the images below and write the subject's heroic tale! In other words, write a story that follows the hero journey in which your hero is based on one of the people shown in the artwork below.
DETAILS:
1) Application of the Monomyth e-worksheet
Now, practice on your own. Think of a tale that features a hero. Make sure you know this tale well! Click HERE to complete the assessment in which you will need to decide which parts of your chosen tale fall into the steps of the Hero's Journey.
2) Write your own Monomyth
We have explored monomyth's written by others so now it is time to write your own.
Let's practice together first. Look at one of the artworks included below.
- First we need to develop a character - who is this? what is his/her social role? what is their obstacle? what has brought them to this point in their lives? etc.
- Once we have an outline of our character, we need to further explore the obstacle since it is pivotal to the Hero's Journey (where does the obstacle come from? how can the hero defeat it? what will the hero gain once he/she defeats it [the reward]?)
- Now let's focus on the worlds in which our story will take place (what is the original world? what is the world of adventure? to what kind of world will the hero return?)
- Don't forget to develop the social roles (who will be the mentor? is there an enemy?)
The actual assessment is to choose one of the images below and write the subject's heroic tale! In other words, write a story that follows the hero journey in which your hero is based on one of the people shown in the artwork below.
DETAILS:
- Although quality is always valued over quantity, your story should probably be at least 3/4 page long (double spaced, normal font size, typed)
- Spelling and grammar WILL count!
- your story MUST follow the steps of the hero journey as discussed in class
- imagery makes any story more exciting!
- it is wise to come up with an idea for the entire plot BEFORE starting to write (just like we did as a class)
- be sure to have a creative title for your tale (include the artwork's title in your subtitle)
- Create a new document in Google Drive. Title it: "Original Hero Myth - this is NOT the title of your story, this is just the title of the document. In the heading include not only your name, period, and date but also the title & artist of the artwork about which you are writing.