What makes a hero? - Matthew Winkler

Summary

The video script explores the universal 'Hero's Journey' narrative, as introduced by Joseph Campbell in 'The Hero with a Thousand Faces.' It outlines the 12 stages of this mythic structure, from the hero's ordinary world to their transformation and return, exemplified by characters like Harry Potter, Katniss Everdeen, and Frodo. The script encourages viewers to recognize and embrace the hero's journey in their own lives, facing challenges and growing from the experiences.

Takeaways

• 🌟 The 'Hero's Journey' is a common narrative structure found in myths and stories across different cultures, as identified by Joseph Campbell.
• 📚 Campbell's book 'The Hero with a Thousand Faces' explores this universal pattern and its manifestations in various myths.
• 🔄 The Hero's Journey is a cycle that starts and ends in the hero's ordinary world but includes a transformative journey through a special world.
• 🏠 The journey begins with the 'Status Quo', where the hero receives a 'Call to Adventure' that disrupts their normal life.
• 👴 Assistance often comes from a mentor figure who helps the hero prepare for the challenges ahead.
• 🚪 The 'Departure' marks the hero's crossing into a new, unfamiliar world filled with trials and adventures.
• 🤔 'Trials' involve the hero overcoming obstacles, solving riddles, or defeating enemies to progress on their journey.
• 😨 The 'Crisis' is the darkest moment for the hero, where they face death or a significant loss, leading to a rebirth.
• 💎 'Treasure' is the reward or power the hero gains after overcoming their greatest challenge.
• 🔄 The 'Return' sees the hero coming back to their ordinary world, often with a new perspective or status.
• 🛑 The 'New Life' and 'Resolution' indicate that the hero's life has been irreversibly changed by their journey, leading to a new status quo.
• 🎥 Popular books and movies often follow the Hero's Journey template, such as 'The Hunger Games' with Katniss Everdeen's story.
• 🧗‍♂️ The Hero's Journey is not just a story template but also a reflection of the human experience, encouraging us to face our fears and grow from our experiences.
• 🔍 Joseph Campbell's quote suggests that the challenges we fear may hold the answers or growth we seek.

Q & A

What is the 'Hero with a Thousand Faces'?

It is a book by Joseph Campbell that studies myths from around the world and explains how they represent the mono-myth or Hero's Journey.

What is the 'Hero's Journey'?

It is a narrative pattern that describes the stages that a hero goes through in a story, starting and ending in the hero's ordinary world but passing through an unfamiliar, special world.

What are the key events in the Hero's Journey cycle?

The key events include the hero's status quo, call to adventure, assistance, departure, trials, approach, crisis, treasure, result, return, new life, resolution, and the upgraded status quo.

What does 'Call to Adventure' signify in the Hero's Journey?

It is the point in the story where the hero receives a mysterious message, invitation, or challenge that sets the plot in motion.

Who is the character that provides 'Assistance' to the hero in their journey?

In many stories, the assistance comes from a character who is older or wiser, providing guidance or support to the hero.

What does 'Departure' entail in the Hero's Journey?

It is the moment when the hero crosses the threshold from their normal, safe home and enters the special world of adventure.

What challenges does the hero face during the 'Trials' stage?

The hero faces various challenges such as solving riddles, slaying monsters, or escaping from traps during the trials stage.

What is the significance of the 'Crisis' in the Hero's Journey?

The crisis is the hero's darkest hour where they face death or a near-death experience, leading to a rebirth or transformation.

What does the hero 'Claim' as a result of overcoming the 'Crisis'?

The hero claims a treasure, special recognition, or power as a result of overcoming the crisis.

How does the 'Return' stage differ from the 'Departure' in the Hero's Journey?

The return stage is about the hero coming back to their ordinary world after the adventure, often changed or transformed by their experiences.

How does the 'New Life' stage relate to the hero's personal growth?

The new life stage signifies that the hero has outgrown their old life due to the experiences and transformations they underwent during their journey.

How does Joseph Campbell's concept of the Hero's Journey apply to modern stories like 'The Hunger Games'?

Modern stories like 'The Hunger Games' follow the Hero's Journey template, with characters like Katniss Everdeen experiencing the call to adventure, receiving assistance, and going through various stages of the journey.

What is the symbolic meaning of 'In the cave you fear to enter lies the treasure you seek'?

This quote by Joseph Campbell suggests that the most significant personal growth and rewards come from facing and overcoming our deepest fears and challenges.

How can the Hero's Journey be reflected in our own lives?

The Hero's Journey can be seen in our own lives as we leave our comfort zones, face transformative experiences, recover, and then face new challenges, much like the hero in stories.