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The Heros Journey : Stages Of The Hero's Journey Archetype

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Stages of the Hero’s Journey Archetype “‘I come from under the hill. And under the hill and over the hills my paths led. And through the air, I am he that walks unseen’” (The Hobbit). When the dragon Smaug asks Bilbo of his identity, our hero speaks to him in riddles as to not give away who he is. Bilbo has snuck into Smaug’s lair, using a magical ring to become invisible. This part of his adventure is called the “Ordeal,” one of the twelve stages in the Hero’s Journey Archetype. The Hobbit, an animated film directed by Rankin and Bass, fits the Hero’s Journey Archetype by following these three stages: “Call to Adventure,” “Tests, Allies, [and] Enemies,” and “Ordeal.” One example of the Hero's Journey Archetype stages used in The …show more content…

This part of the journey - which is the stage right before the “Approach to the Inmost Cave” - isn’t a walk in the park, after all. The hero will face difficulties, and unexpected events will occur; sometimes, insurmountable obstacles block the hero’s path. They make enemies, in some cases the hero gets a rival. But there are also things the hero has to gain from the journey. These experiences and hardships change the hero, making them more powerful, whether it means gaining knowledge, strength, or even bravery. They also gain friends and allies in this stage, who will help them during their adventure. Special weapons or items that help them may be obtained, as well. An example of this stage in The Hobbit is when Bilbo ends up in Gollum’s cave. He must use his knowledge to come up with and solve riddles so he can leave the cave - and avoid becoming Gollum’s next meal. Here, he also finds a magical ring that makes the wearer invisible. This part of the film shows one of the tests Bilbo faces, as well as when he obtains an item, the ring, which has an important purpose in the upcoming “Ordeal.” The “Ordeal” is yet another stage that can be found in The Hobbit. Vogler compares stage number eight to fighting a mythical beast in a cave, stating, “This is the moment the hero touches bottom. He/she faces the possibility of death, brought to the brink. . . For

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