The Hero's Journey Applied to an Epic Fantasy Novel
- Oct 5, 2024
- 4 min read
The Podcast
In crafting an epic fantasy novel, employing the Hero's Journey framework can offer an enriching narrative structure that echoes through the human subconscious, resonating with universal themes and character archetypes. This model, meticulously outlined by Joseph Campbell in his seminal work "The Hero with a Thousand Faces," describes a series of stages that form a cycle experienced by many heroes across a myriad of cultures. When applied to fantasy literature, this archetype does not merely guide the plot development but also ensures that the characters undergo transformative, profound growth, thus enriching the reader’s experience.
The Ordinary World: This is where every Hero’s Journey begins. The protagonist is seen in a normal setting, living an ordinary life, making their initial state relatable to the reader. An excellent example of this is Bilbo Baggins in J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Hobbit," who is introduced as a conservative, comfort-loving hobbit before the adventure finds him. The portrayal of the Ordinary World is critical as it establishes the protagonist's baseline, against which their transformation will be measured.
The Call to Adventure: The hero is presented with a challenge, quest, or adventure to undertake. In Robert Jordan’s "The Wheel of Time," young Rand al’Thor’s quiet life is disrupted when he discovers that he might be the prophesied Dragon Reborn, thrusting him into a conflict spanning both time and space. The Call to Adventure is crucial as it propels the narrative into motion and nudges the hero out of their comfort zone.
Refusal of the Call: Often, the hero hesitates or outright refuses the initial call to adventure, usually out of fear, duty, or a sense of inadequacy. This moment deepens the character’s dimension by showcasing their vulnerabilities or conflicts. An example can be seen in "Star Wars," where Luke Skywalker initially declines Obi-Wan Kenobi’s invitation to join the fight against the Empire, citing responsibilities at home.
Meeting with the Mentor: The hero encounters a mentor figure who provides training, advice, or magical equipment needed for the journey. In "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone," Harry meets Dumbledore, who not only offers guidance but also crucial knowledge about the wizarding world and his destiny. This stage is important as it prepares the hero for the trials ahead, providing them with the necessary tools and wisdom.
Crossing the Threshold: The hero commits fully to the journey and crosses from the familiar world into the world of adventure. This transition is marked by a significant challenge or barrier. In Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings," Frodo leaves the Shire after his decision at the Council of Elrond, symbolically crossing the threshold into a world of peril and uncertainty.
Tests, Allies, and Enemies: As the hero progresses, they face tests that challenge their skills and character, and they meet allies who will aid them and enemies who will oppose them. This phase is vividly illustrated in J.K. Rowling’s "Harry Potter" series, where Harry, Hermione, and Ron face various challenges that test their friendship, cunning, and courage.
Approach to the Inmost Cave: The hero prepares for the central crisis of the journey. This often involves a physical or metaphorical place where the object of the quest is hidden. In "The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe" by C.S. Lewis, this is represented as the heroes prepare to battle the White Witch, culminating in a significant confrontation.
The Ordeal: The hero faces a critical challenge in which they must undergo a metaphorical death and rebirth. This ordeal transforms them, often granting them greater knowledge or a powerful object. In "Dune" by Frank Herbert, Paul Atreides faces and overcomes the giant sandworm, emerging as both a leader and a prophet to the Fremen.
Reward (Seizing the Sword): After surviving death, the hero earns their reward or achieves the goal of the quest. This could be a physical item or a metaphorical gain, such as insight into oneself or the world. Arthurian legend highlights this in the acquisition of the Holy Grail.
The Road Back: The hero must return to the Ordinary World. This journey back can be just as perilous and testing as the outward journey. In "The Odyssey" by Homer, Odysseus’s journey back to Ithaca is fraught with legendary difficulties, reflecting this stage.
The Resurrection: The hero is severely tested once more on the threshold of home. This is a purging and purifying experience that may involve a literal or figurative resurrection. In "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows," Harry faces Voldemort in a final showdown that truly tests his courage, wisdom, and sacrifice.
Return with the Elixir: The hero returns home or continues living, transformed by the experiences and bearing elixirs—solutions or treasures that often have the power to heal or revitalize their world. Frodo’s return to the Shire with the knowledge and experiences of his journey encapsulates this final stage, where he attempts to find peace after his profound changes.
In conclusion, the Hero’s Journey offers a robust and flexible framework for structuring an epic fantasy novel. By adhering to this archetype, writers can craft narratives that are not only compelling and richly layered but also universally resonant, reflecting the deepest patterns of human storytelling.
