This post has been adapted from Campbell’s Monomyth & Christopher Vogler’s interpretation.

I. Departure (The Ordinary World → The Call to Adventure)

1- Ordinary World: The hero starts in their normal life, unaware of the adventure ahead.

2- Call to Adventure: A challenge or event disrupts the hero’s world, inviting them to a journey.

3- Refusal of the Call: The hero hesitates due to fear or self-doubt.

4- Meeting the Mentor: A guide or mentor appears, offering wisdom or tools for the journey.

5- Crossing the First Threshold: The hero commits to the adventure and enters the unknown world.

II. Initiation (The Hero Faces Challenges & Growth)

6- Tests, Allies, and Enemies: The hero encounters obstacles, meets friends, and faces adversaries.

7- Approach to the Inmost Cave: The hero nears the heart of the journey, where the greatest trial awaits.

8- Ordeal (Supreme Test): A major crisis or confrontation where the hero faces their deepest fear.

9- Reward (Seizing the Sword): After overcoming the ordeal, the hero gains wisdom, power, or an important treasure.

III. Return (Transformation & Bringing Change to the World)

10- The Road Back: The hero begins the journey home but faces a final challenge.

11- Resurrection: A last test where the hero proves they have transformed.

12- Return with the Elixir: The hero brings back newfound wisdom or a gift to benefit their world.

Examples in Storytelling

• The Lord of the Rings: Frodo leaves the Shire, faces trials, defeats Sauron, and returns changed.
• Star Wars (Luke Skywalker’s Journey): Obi-Wan mentors him, he battles the Empire, and returns wiser.
• Harry Potter: Harry discovers he’s a wizard, trains at Hogwarts, faces Voldemort, and emerges transformed.

Example: Doctor Strange 2016 (Movie)

This framework is evident in Dr. Stephen Strange’s transformation from an arrogant neurosurgeon to the Sorcerer Supreme.

Call to Adventure: Strange loses the use of his hands in a car accident, shattering his identity as a surgeon.

Refusal of the Call: He initially resists alternative healing methods, clinging to Western medicine.

Meeting the Mentor: He meets the Ancient One, who introduces him to mystical teachings.

Crossing the Threshold: Strange leaves behind his old life and steps into the world of magic and mysticism.

Trials & Initiation: He undergoes rigorous training, battles adversaries, and faces his ego.

Abyss/Death & Rebirth: Facing Dormammu and the Time Loop represents a symbolic death and rebirth.

Transformation: He shifts from self-serving arrogance to self-sacrificial wisdom.

Return with the Elixir: He returns to protect Earth, becoming the Sorcerer Supreme.