According to American philosopher Ken Wilber, such is the nature of evolution: To simultaneously include and transcend the past. The Hero, identified with the father, has also emerged victorious where the father couldn’t.
Examples:
Star Wars: Luke eventually becomes a Jedi, like Anakin before him. But he also transcended his father, because Luke never gave in to the temptation of the Dark Side.
The Matrix: Neo rescued his fatherly figure (Morpheus), succeeding where nobody else ever could.
Harry Potter: By the end of the series, Harry avenged and honored his actual father (James), his Mentor (Dumbledore), and the “bravest man he ever knew” (Snape). And of course, he went beyond all of them.
Sideways: In Miles’s novel the character of the father is mentioned in self-destructive ways; Miles surpassed that fictional father, because he still had a chance at happiness, and he decided to take it.
Dodgeball: Peter honored Patches’s legacy, and even transcended the glory of the legendary couch, reaching the top of the world—well, of the dodgeball world.
Related:
086 – Atonement: First Foreshadow
121 – Atonement: Second Foreshadow
182 – Magic Flight
The Hero flies away. Really. Or at least the Hero ascends somehow.
Description:
Think of this moment as the ascension of Christ to the Heavens: It is a symbol of the Hero transcending the rank of mere mortal.
This stage is a tricky one. People don’t go flying around, so it must happen in a way that doesn’t ruin the verisimilitude of the story.
Examples:
Star Wars: Luke returns, piloting his X-wing to the Rebel base. He is literally flying.
The Matrix: Neo ascends to the sky, flying like Superman. Yes, he is literally flying.
Harry Potter: Many episodes of the series end with Harry literally flying, either on a broomstick or on some winged creature.
Sideways: Miles takes the stairs up to Maya’s house (he “ascends”) before knocking on the door. This has to be the subtlest instance of this stage represented in a film, ever.
Dodgeball:The team “ascends” to fame: They are portrayed on the cover of OSQ—Obscure Sports Quarterly magazine.
183 – Refusal of the Return
The Hero enjoys the moment.
Description:
The Hero shows some kind of resistance to leaving the scenario of the final triumph.
Examples:
Star Wars: Luke takes a moment in space. He is at ease, eyes closed. He hears Obi-Wan one last time: “Remember, the Force will be with you. Always.”
The Matrix: Neo stands relaxed and with an aura made of Matrix code around him. Trinity has to scream to him, “Neo!,” so he picks up the phone before the EMP is triggered.
Harry Potter: School is over. At Hogsmeade’s train station Hermione says, “Feels strange to be going home, doesn’t it?” Harry answers, “I’m not going home. Not really.” The train whistles.
Sideways: The trip is over. On the way back home, Jack crashes Miles’s car into a tree, and then they drive it into a pit. They are trying to simulate an accident, to justify Jack’s broken nose.
Dodgeball: We see Dwight escorted by two beautiful cheerleaders, Peter escorted by Kate and Joyce, Owen kissing Fran, and Jason and Amber together. This is Vegas, baby: Before returning home, a party is in order.
Related:
184 – Guided Return
184 – Guided Return
The Hero needed help to depart; now
the Hero needs help to come back.
Description:
The Goddess helps the Hero to get back from the battle.
In some versions of the Hero’s Journey this stage is called “Rescue from Without.”
Examples:
Star Wars: People in the hangar helps Luke descend from his starfighter. They also unload R2D2, who was destroyed during the battle.
The Matrix: Trinity disconnects Neo from the Matrix. He awakes in the real world, in her arms.
Harry Potter: Off screen, Hermione helps Ron, who was left unconscious during the chess match, and Harry, who was left unconscious after the fight against Quirrell and Voldemort.
Sideways: Miles drives Jack to Christine’s home. She and her family, showing concern about Jack’s nose wound, welcome him back.
Dodgeball: (Not applicable).
Related:
183 – Refusal of the Return
185 – Consummation of Love
It’s kissing time.
Description:
During the climax, things are too chaotic and hectic. The lovers must wait until after the final battle in order to enjoy a little intimacy.
This stage resolves the previous, failed declarations of love. A kiss is usually in order: It is the single, most universal, purest sign of romantic love.
It’s better if this moment is romantic, not sexual. Why? Because sex doesn’t resolve things; it complicates them. If there’s sex at all in your story, it should have happened before this stage.
Examples:
Star Wars:Leia and Han’s consummation of love happens off screen. InThe Empire Strikes Back, they are already fighting with each other. See? Sex complicated things.
The Matrix: Neo is back from the Matrix. He and Trinity kiss in the real world.
Harry Potter: There are no kisses between them, yet, but Ron and Hermione are shown close to each other on a balcony, waiting for Harry to be released from the hospital wing.
Sideways: The wedding is the Union Symbolism, of course. This approach is a bit tired as a resource, but also a classic.
Dodgeball: Kate kisses Peter. And before that, she kisses Joyce. Who’s Joyce? She is Kate’s girlfriend. Deal with it.
Related:
124 – First Declaration of Love
168 – Second Declaration of Love
186 – Award Ceremony
Victory is symbolized by the presentation of a valuable object.
Description:
The transfer of a physical object—a trophy—serves as a symbol of recognition.
Important: The trophy isnot the Boon—it is merely a tangible symbol of the Hero’s triumph.
Also, note that unlike stage180 – Celebration, this stage has a ritual component; it’s a ceremony, not a spontaneous reaction.
Examples:
Star Wars: Award ceremony at the Great Temple on planet Yavin. Princess Leia presents the heroes with the medals.
The Matrix: (Not applicable).
Harry Potter: House Cup award ceremony. Gryffindor wins the House Cup thanks to Harry, Ron, and Hermione. And Neville, of course.
Sideways: Wedding ceremony. Miles (the best man) hands the rings over to Jack and Christine.
Dodgeball: Award ceremony at the dodgeball arena. The team gets a trophy, a giant check for $50,000, and a treasure box with the five million that Peter won by betting White’s bribe.
187 – Ally Is Fine
Some ally we thought dead is still kicking.
Description:
The return of this ally can either happen either in stage167 – The Cavalry Arrives or now, providing relief to the audience.
Examples:
Star Wars:R2D2 is repaired, and he’s emitting all kinds of beeps and noises (see stage 189 – World Repaired).
The Matrix:Tank is alive(see stage 167 – The Cavalry Arrives).
Harry Potter: Ron was hurt and left unconscious during the chess game; now he is totally recovered.
Sideways: Jack’s nose is getting better; we see him at the wedding using a smaller band aid.
Dodgeball: Steve was lost, but he comes back changed for the better (he left the pirate delusion behind).
Related:
167 – The Cavalry Arrives
189 – World Repaired
188 – Time Has Passed
The dust of the final battle has settled down.
Description:
We
see the Hero fulfilling a new role in the real world. The Hero looks normal again, not like a semi-god as in stage177 – Apotheosis. But there is clear progress in the Hero’s life in comparison to stage020 – The Hero’s Day Job.
Sometimes, the next generation is shown—the Hero’s kids. Or at least there is some allusion to the cyclic nature of time.
Examples:
Star Wars: Luke and Han are now generals in the Rebellion, and Leia is the undiscussed leader.
The Matrix: Neo is back in the Matrix. We see people walking by on a sunny day.
Harry Potter: InThe Deathly Hallows,nineteen years after the Battle of Hogwarts, the protagonists bid their own kids farewell as the new generation boards the Hogwarts Express. We see who married whom.
Sideways: Miles is back in his class. We hear Maya’s voice over: “It’s turned cold and rainy here lately, but I like winter.” (Note that she mentions the cycle of the seasons).
Dodgeball: Peter and friends are back in the gym, recording a television advertisement. Amber is pregnant, and its full of other kids in there.
189 – World Repaired
There is a return to sharing.
Description:
This stage marks a contrast with stage019 – Selfishness Is on the Rise and shows that the world has returned to a state of improved normality: People are sharing again.
Usually, graduation is used for symbolism, or some other form of sharing (a toast, a meal, a mass, etc.)
Examples:
Star Wars: R2D2 and C3PO look resplendent. Even Chewbacca looks like he took a shower (reparation symbolism).
The Matrix: Neo looks once again like his handsome self. He is now freeing others, like he was freed once. Ironically, the repairing of the world is shown as a failure in the Matrix (the “System Error” message in the final scene).
Harry Potter: Harry awakens in the Hogwarts hospital wing. People have left flowers, cards, and sweets for him (sharing symbolism). Dumbledore takes a bean from a box of Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans (meal symbolism). “Alas,” he says, “earwax.”
Sideways: Maya’s message says that she’s about to graduate and will soon leave her job as waitress (graduation symbolism).
Dodgeball: Peter is seen handing towels to customers (sharing symbolism), greeting everyone, in a totally renovated Average Joe’s Gymnasium (repair symbolism).
Related:
186 – Award Ceremony
190 – A New Home
The Hero finally finds a place to call home.
Description:
After all the transitions, transmogrifications, changes of name, clothes, and places, the Hero finally finds a place (or a family) to belong.
Examples:
Star Wars: Luke, Leia, and Han were left alone in the world, but they found a new family in each other.
The Matrix: Paradoxically, Neo found a home in the Matrix: As he is The One, the Matrix is exactly his element. In fact, he doesn’t spend much time in Zion at all. Also, we can say that he found a home in Trinity.
Harry Potter: Despite having to go back to the Dursleys, Harry found in Hogwarts his true home.
Sideways: Miles found Maya, and in the final scene he is headed to her home.
Dodgeball: The friends return to the only place where they feel at home: Average Joe’s Gymnasium.
Bonus Example:
“Home” can have different meanings for different heroes. InThe Hurt Locker, Sergeant James feels at home in the war. In the last scene, we see him walking down a street in Baghdad, headed to disarm yet another explosive, with a huge smile plastered on his face.
191 – Enlightened Self
The Hero becomes who he/she truly is.
Description:
Time has passed. The Hero has achieved a new, mature self.
He controls his powers, his flaw is transcended, and a new, serene aura surrounds him.
This marks a contrast with the “diamond in the rough” the Hero was in stage 005.
Examples:
Star Wars: Luke Skywalker becomes a true Jedi.
The Matrix: Neo becomes a true savior.
Harry Potter: Harry becomes a true wizard.
Sideways: Miles becomes a true lover.
Dodgeball: Peter La Fleur becomes a true leader.
Related:
005 – The Hero’s Talent
192 – Freedom to Live
The Hero chooses a future.
Description:
No matter what was achieved during the quest, the Ultimate Boon is alwaysfreedom. It is the key to individuation, to be oneself, to become who we are supposed to become.
What will the Hero choose to do when the world has no more impending demands? Well, he usually uses this freedom to continue doing what he does best.
Examples:
Star Wars: Luke chooses to continue fighting for the Rebellion. He becomes a general and a Jedi.
The Matrix: Neo chooses to continue fighting for humanity. He awakes others.
Harry Potter: Harry chooses to continue fighting against evil. He becomes an Auror.
Sideways: Miles continues being a teacher and a writer.
Dodgeball: Peter chooses to continue managing Average Joe’s Gym.
193 – Final Bows
The curtain is about to fall.
Description:
Just before the end, many stories recount the destiny of the main characters. It’s like at the end of a theater play, when the actors come to the stage to salute and thank the audience.
This farewell rounds the story up by returning to the place where the adventure started. It closes a cycle and reminds the audience how good a time they had.
Examples:
Star Wars: Luke, Leia, Han, Chewbacca, C3PO, and R2D2 stand together in front of the applauding crowd, just like at the end of a theater performance.
The Matrix: We see the surviving heroes back in the Nebuchadnezzar: Neo, Trinity, Morpheus, and Tank. And we see the Matrix, too, in the form of that green computer screen.
Harry Potter: Dumbledore names the kids one by one as he awards last-minute points: Harry, Hermione, Ron, and Neville. We see the rest of the characters as they react to the speech. Everyone is there.
Sideways: We hear Maya’s voice in the loving message she leaves in Miles answering machine. Miles is like pinot, and she is graduating as a wine grower—a symbolism that goes back to the central dialogue of the film, back in stage 120.
Dodgeball: The friends are back in the gym. There is a painting of Patches O’Houlihan hanging on a wall. The movie started with a TV spot for Globo Gym, and it ends with a TV spot for Average Joe’s.
194 – The Open End
Some element of the dark side remains.
Description:
If your story will have an open end (i.e., evil might return), the challenge lies in making it subtle.
This is easier to pull off in a movie than in a novel, because, how do you write an open end without diluting the satisfaction that the novel’s end must provide? That is what we writers have to figure out.
Examples:
Star Wars: Darth Vader is shown regaining control of his fighter. He will be back for another seven films (and counting).
The Matrix: Even when there is a new sheriff in town, the Matrix persists. The fight continues.
Harry Potter:At the end ofThe Sorcerer’s Stone, things are just starting. Voldemort survived, of course, to battle it out in seven more movies.
Sideways: The end of this movie mirrors the uncertain ending of Miles’s novel. We see him knocking at Maya’s door, but we don’t see anything else. What happens after that is a mystery. Talk about subtlety.
Dodgeball: In the post-credits sequence, White Goodman, obese and abandoned to excess, sings a rap while holding a piece of fried chicken in his hand. (Is he going to come back? Nah.)
195 – The Actual End
Your story arrives at the last paragraph,
the last sentence, and the last word.
Description:
Before writing the last paragraph, go read some poetry. Get inspired. Avoid corniness at all costs, but end with emotion. The end of the book will immensely influence the reader’s final opinion about it. Make it memorable.
Examples:
Star Wars: The last “words” are left to R2D2 and Chewbacca: Beeps and growls. We don’t know what they mean, but we know they are joyous. Brilliant.
The Matrix: Neo looks at the camera and thanks the audience with the subtlest of smiles. He puts his signature sunglasses on and flies away.
Harry Potter: Harry’s son is worried that he might get put into Slytherin house. Harry reminds him that he was named Albus Severus Potter after two Headmasters of Hogwarts; one of them was a Slytherin, and the bravest man Harry knew. And the very last word of the whole story is “Ready.” I doubt there is a word that better represents Harry’s own bravery.
Sideways: Maya’s message ends, “Anyway, like I said, I really loved your novel. Don’t give up, Miles. Keep writing.”
Dodgeball: The greatest final words in a comedy, ever: “Fucking Chuck Norris!”
Farewell
W e arrive at our owndénouement, too.
I’m writing these words with a smile and a bit of sadness, because when we finish a book, we too resist going back to the Ordinary World—just like the heroes we followed along these pages. Yes, ending a book (either writing or reading it) is a bittersweet moment, indeed. Doesn’t that happen to you, too?
But hey, this is our guided return: Let’s go back to reading great novels and watching great movies. Let’s enjoy those beautiful stories, this time with a deeper understanding of what makes them tick.
And remember: I tried my best, but “Nobody can advise you and help you—nobody,” Rilke said a century ago in hisLetters to a Young Poet. “There is only one way. Go into yourself.”
So this is my Call to Adventure to you, young Padawan: With a laptop for your lightsaber and black coffee as your Elixir, go find inspiration and write, if that what’s you are meant to do. Let your fantasy take off, rising on its own Magic Flight.
The Ultimate Hero's Journey Page 15