The hero’s journey is a narrative framework identified by Joseph Campbell, which outlines the stages many heroes undergo in myths and stories. Here, we explore the 12 stages and illustrate how Odysseus embodies each one in Homer’s ‘The Odyssey.’
- The Ordinary World: This is where the hero exists before the adventure begins. For Odysseus, his ordinary world is Ithaca, where he is the king and lives a life of peace with his family.
- The Call to Adventure: The hero experiences a call to leave their ordinary world. Odysseus’ call comes when he is summoned to fight in the Trojan War, leaving behind his home and family.
- Refusal of the Call: Heroes often hesitate at first. Odysseus initially tries to refuse the call by pretending to be mad, showcasing his reluctance to leave his family.
- Meeting with the Mentor: The hero typically receives guidance. Athena plays this role for Odysseus, offering him wisdom and support throughout his journey.
- Crossing the Threshold: The hero leaves their ordinary world and ventures into the unknown. Odysseus crosses this threshold when he sets sail for Troy, fully committing to the journey ahead.
- Tests, Allies, and Enemies: Along the way, the hero faces challenges and meets friends and foes. Odysseus encounters a variety of beings, like the Cyclops, and forms alliances with characters such as Circe and Telemachus.
- Approach to the Inmost Cave: The hero prepares for a significant challenge. For Odysseus, this key moment occurs when he and his crew approach the Underworld, preparing for the trials to come.
- The Ordeal: The hero faces a major challenge. In ‘The Odyssey,’ Odysseus’ ordeal is his confrontation with the dead in the Underworld, where he gains crucial knowledge for his return home.
- The Reward: After the ordeal, the hero earns a reward. Odysseus’ reward is the valuable knowledge and foresight he gains, which helps him navigate the dangers he will face on his journey home.
- The Road Back: The hero must return home. For Odysseus, this is marked by his long and treacherous journey back to Ithaca filled with further challenges.
- The Resurrection: The hero experiences a final test, where everything is at stake. Odysseus faces his greatest challenge upon returning to Ithaca, as he must reclaim his home from the suitors who have overrun it.
- Return with the Elixir: The hero returns home transformed and brings back a treasure or knowledge. Odysseus returns to Ithaca, bringing with him not just the treasure of his experiences but also the wisdom needed to restore his household and family.
Odysseus’ journey through these stages is a rich tapestry of adventure, growth, and transformation, highlighting the timeless nature of the hero’s journey across cultures and stories.