

#Inmost cave last book in the universe series
To begin their metamorphosis, the hero experiences a series of trials in which they must face the dangers of the unknown world. Understanding what’s at stake for the Shire, Frodo volunteers to take to the Ring to Mordor. This moment occurs in The Lord of the Rings when the Ringwraiths attack and nearly kill Frodo as he journeys to deliver the Ring to Elrond. Just as the hero begins to acclimate to the unknown world, an event occurs that marks the point of no return, solidifying the hero’s separation from their known world and their willingness to transform.

While they may progress in their journey to achieve a particular goal, they haven’t yet fully engaged with the story’s main conflict or claimed their role in the fight.įor example, upon leaving District 12, Katniss Everdeen journeys to the Capitol, where she must train for the Games and participate in a series of interviews and events before she enters the arena. It isn’t until she kills an attacking demon, the threshold guardian, that the supernatural Jace Wayland introduces her to the world of Shadowhunters.Īfter crossing the threshold, the hero experiences a series of events that opens their eyes to the wonders and dangers of the unknown world. Sometimes, the hero must complete a task presented by a threshold guardian to begin their journey.įor example, when Clary Fray begins to see a world invisible to others in City of Bones, she worries for her sanity. The threshold is the literal or figurative door between worlds, which the hero must cross to begin their journey into the unknown. the One Ring) and/or train them to use their unique power (e.g. Often, this “supernatural” being will gift the hero with a special object or talisman (e.g. Take Gandalf, Glinda the Good Witch, and Albus Dumbledore for example.

Upon accepting the call to adventure, the hero encounters (or rejoins) a being of famed or supernatural origin who aids them in their journey. But when Luke’s aunt and uncle are killed by the Empire, Luke sees no other option but to accept Obi-Wan’s request. This occurs in Star Wars when Luke initially refuses to join Obi-Wan in aiding Princess Leia. However, it’s typically an unexpected event that pressures the hero into accepting the call. If the hero doesn’t immediately embrace the call to adventure, then they may choose to do so after some deliberation. However, in some cases, the hero doesn’t hesitate to accept this call, either because they’re eager for adventure and unencumbered by responsibility or because something terrible would be at stake if they refused.įor example, Katniss immediately volunteers to take Prim’s place when chosen for the Hunger Games, as Prim is young and highly unlikely to survive. Often the hero hesitates to accept this call to adventure, fearing the real or imagined dangers the unknown world presents, deeming themselves unworthy of the adventure, or feeling duty-bound to remain in their known world.

The Call to Adventure disrupts the hero’s everyday life, presenting the hero with an (often unwanted) opportunity to leave their known world. We first see Luke helping his uncle Owen purchase droids for the family homestead, though we quickly learn that Luke would rather enroll in the Imperial Academy than tend his chores. Typically, the introduction showcases the hero engaging in an everyday conflict or activity that reveals their dissatisfaction with the known world.įor example, in Star Wars, George Lucas introduces Luke Skywalker as a farm boy living on Tatooine, a desolate desert planet. The hero’s journey begins in their known world, a familiar place in which they live a relatively mundane life.
