The Hero’s Journey

Almost all of our favorite movies and novels follow a model called The Hero’s Journey. Once you know this, you’ll see it in every story from The Wizard of Oz to Star Wars…to your own.

The Hero’s Journey is a human construct steeped in mythology that tries to make sense of story through a circular model with specific names for each stage of the journey. The “hero” starts in the known reality but soon a problem or challenge causes him or her to travel into the unknown to overcome great odds with the help of a sage and friends. At great cost, they ultimately achieve the goal and return home.

We’re drawn to these stories of epic good versus evil. It’s essential to remember, however, that “good” alone isn’t enough to save the day, the world, or us. Only God can do that. As C. S. Lewis stated, “There is but one good; that is God. Everything else is good when it looks to Him and bad when it turns from Him” (The Great Divorce).

In The Hero’s Journey, it’s up to the protagonist to save the day or the world through their wit and powers. Yet we weren’t made to succeed without God. When we try, we make ourselves the hero and then wonder why we don’t see God do heroic things. 

It’s not possible for a person to succeed—I’m talking about eternal success—without heaven’s help. (John 3:27 MSG)

If a story works without God, it never reflects the truest story. Whether it’s a story we’re watching, reading, or living, the hero of that kind of story may get a treasure by the end…but never the pearl of great price.

Want more? Read the first section of The Eden Option for free here. Or order here.