Mythology · Writing

The Heroine’s Journey: Refusal of the Call

Our heroine has received the Call to Adventure and now must respond. At this point there is often a Refusal of the Call. The heroine is reluctant to change and scared of the unknown. In the heroine’s journey this may involve taking on the role of the spiritual orphan and the recognition of how alone… Continue reading The Heroine’s Journey: Refusal of the Call

Mythology · Writing

The Heroine’s Journey: Call to Adventure

We’ve met our heroine in her Ordinary World and discovered she is ready for a change. Now comes the Call to Adventure. The heroine experiences a challenge to the status quo that forces her to adapt. She may recognise the desolate state of her current life and awaken to a sense of meaninglessness or emptiness.… Continue reading The Heroine’s Journey: Call to Adventure

Mythology · Writing

The Heroine’s Journey: Ordinary World

The heroine’s journey begins in the Ordinary World of the story. This is where we discover the background and context of the protagonist’s world and get a sense of the inner conflict that needs resolution. For the heroine, her ordinary world is often one of imprisonment in a domestic environment. She is enclosed, trapped doing… Continue reading The Heroine’s Journey: Ordinary World

Mythology · Writing

The Heroine’s Journey

In storytelling, the Heroine’s Journey is structured the same way as the Hero’s Journey but the feminine experience of the story tends to differ from the standard masculine interpretation. It is the same basic myth but with a feminine twist. The Hero’s Journey monomyth was identified by Joseph Campbell in his book on comparative mythology,… Continue reading The Heroine’s Journey

Mythology · Writing

The Hero’s Journey: Return with the Elixir

The hero has survived all the conflicts, ordeals and battles on the Hero’s Journey and now returns to his Ordinary World changed. He brings with him the hard-won Elixir, which could be an actual object, like treasure, or something like wisdom, freedom, love or knowledge. The important thing is that his new skills can be… Continue reading The Hero’s Journey: Return with the Elixir

Mythology · Writing

The Hero’s Journey: Approach the Inmost Cave

Our hero is starting to get used to being in this new world with its special rules. He has made allies and enemies, and is determined to succeed on his mission. At this stage of the journey we’re approaching the main ordeal and the hero must prepare to be tested in serious fashion. This is… Continue reading The Hero’s Journey: Approach the Inmost Cave

Mythology · Writing

The Hero’s Journey: Tests, Allies and Enemies

At the start of Act 2 we find our hero in the Special World of the story. He’s Crossed the Threshold and will now face new challenges on his hero’s journey. This new world should be very different from the Ordinary World he’s left behind. Even if the hero physically stays put, the Special World… Continue reading The Hero’s Journey: Tests, Allies and Enemies

Mythology · Writing

The Hero’s Journey: Crossing the Threshold

Our hero has Refused the Call to Adventure and so invoked the help of a Mentor to encourage him to embark on his Hero’s Journey. This stage is the turning point at the end of Act 1 where the hero Crosses the Threshold from their Ordinary World into the Special World of the story. The… Continue reading The Hero’s Journey: Crossing the Threshold