The Stages of the Journey
Joseph Campbell organized the Hero's Journey into three overarching stages: Departure, Initiation, and Return. Within each of these stages are a series of chapters that represent the challenges, choices, and transformations a hero encounters before advancing to the next stage.
At the top of the map is The Ordinary World, or the life that is comfortable and familiar to the hero. It is the world where we often know what to expect and remain within those limits. At the bottom half of the map is The Special World. This is the space where the hero steps into the unknown and learns to navigate the uncertainty that comes with transition and change.
This is where we are going! We will venture from our ordinary worlds into the world unknown. Throughout Into the Woods, we'll use this blueprint to better understand our own journeys of growth. As we explore each chapter, we'll discover how the timeless themes found in mythology and storytelling can also be recognized in our own lives. While these chapters originated from Campbell's work in The Hero with a Thousand Faces, this program has adapted portions of the text to provide greater context and practical application to real experience.
The Chapters of the Journey
The Call to Adventure
Every Hero's Journey begins with an invitation into the unknown. Whether sparked by something dark, mysterious, or unfamiliar to the hero’s current reality, the call asks the hero to step beyond their ordinary world to begin something new.
Refusal of the Call
Change often brings fear, doubt, and uncertainty. Before moving forward, the hero must confront the internal resistance, or shadow, that encourages them to remain where it feels safe and familiar.
Meeting with the Mentor
No hero journeys alone. Along the way, the hero encounters guides, allies, and sources of wisdom that offer encouragement, perspective, and the tools needed for the road ahead.
Crossing the First Threshold
This is the first moment of commitment to transformation. The hero comes upon their first trial, separates from their old life, and takes their first step into the unknown. This is the true beginning of the shift towards transition.
The Belly of the Whale
Transformation often requires letting go of beliefs, behaviors, and characteristics that no longer align with the person we’re becoming. This is the Belly of the Whale stage. As the hero enters the unknown, they begin shedding old identities, beliefs, and patterns to make room for growth.
The Road of Trials
Here is where the hero is tested through obstacles. Growth is rarely a straight path. Through a series of challenges, setbacks, and victories, the hero develops the resilience, wisdom, and confidence needed to continue forward.
The Ultimate Ordeal
The hero faces their greatest challenge—the moment that tests everything they have learned. This is a “make or break moment”, and it is through this struggle that true transformation emerges.
Retrieving the Boon
Having overcome the ordeal, the hero gains something of lasting value. The boon may be wisdom, courage, healing, purpose, or a new understanding of themselves and the world around them.
Master of Two Worlds
The journey comes full circle as the hero learns to integrate who they have become with the life they once knew. They return with the confidence and insight to move forward, carrying the lessons of both worlds into the next chapter of their story.