Examples of the Hero’s Journey

This concept of the hero’s journey is one that has gained much praise and consideration of worth in the writing community. This classic formula for an epic tale has been around for a long time, and it’s satisfying to readers and viewers today. You’ll recognize it in many of the most famous stories, including Ancient Greek mythology.

In following up on my last post, I want to provide some classic examples of the hero’s journey. So here goes:

The Matrix

In the classic film The Matrix, the hero Thomas Anderson must go on a hero’s journey:

1. Ordinary world: Thomas Anderson lives a double life as a regular citizen and as Neo, a hacker.
2. Call to adventure: Neo receives a cryptic message referencing “The Matrix.”
3. Refusal of the call: Neo talks to Trinity but isn’t sure if it’s a dream.
4. Meeting with the mentor: Morpheus tells Neo to take the red pill (shows truth) or the blue pill (return to old life).
5. Crossing the first threshold: Neo chooses the red pill and wakes up from the Matrix.
6. Tests, allies, and enemies: Morpheus trains Neo to fulfill his role as “The One” who will free humanity.
7. Approach: The Oracle tells Neo that he or Morpheus will die, and Neo has the power to choose who.
8. Ordeal: Neo’s group is ambushed by Agents in the Matrix.
9. Reward: Neo blames himself for Morpheus’ capture, and reenters the Matrix to save him.
10. The road back: Before Neo can leave the Matrix again, Agent Smith kills him.
11. Resurrection of the hero: Trinity tells Neo she loves him, so he must be the One. Neo revives and kills Agent Smith.
12. Return with the elixir: Neo makes a call in the Matrix, telling the machines that he will free humanity.

Star Wars

The movie Star Wars is the pinnacle example of the hero’s journey. You’ll recognize the following stages:

1. Ordinary world: Luke Skywalker lives on a moisture farm on Tatooine.
2. Call to adventure: R2-D2 gives Luke a message from Princess Leia, asking Obi-Wan Kenobi to help her.