Departure

Definition

Departure is the initial stage in the hero's journey where the hero leaves their ordinary world to embark on an adventure. This moment is crucial as it marks the transition from the familiar to the unknown, setting in motion the events that will shape the hero's growth and transformation throughout the epic or saga.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The departure often involves a significant event or realization that pushes the hero to leave their comfort zone.
2. This stage can introduce key characters such as mentors or allies who will support the hero throughout their journey.
3. The departure is not just a physical journey; it also represents a psychological shift as the hero embraces change and uncertainty.
4. In many stories, the departure is often marked by a farewell to family or friends, emphasizing the weight of the decision to leave.
5. This stage lays the foundation for conflict and challenges that the hero will face, as they begin to encounter new experiences and environments.

Review Questions

• How does the departure stage influence a hero's character development throughout their journey?
  • The departure stage is essential for character development because it forces the hero to step out of their comfort zone and confront new challenges. By leaving their familiar surroundings, heroes often experience personal growth as they adapt to unfamiliar situations and learn from their experiences. This initial leap into the unknown sets up a trajectory of transformation, pushing them toward becoming a more mature and capable individual by the end of their journey.
• In what ways do mentors play a role during the departure phase, and how does this impact the hero's journey?
  • Mentors are pivotal during the departure phase as they provide guidance, wisdom, and tools that prepare heroes for their upcoming challenges. They help instill confidence in heroes, reassuring them about their abilities while also imparting essential lessons. The presence of a mentor can make the departure less daunting and can enhance a hero's readiness for what lies ahead, shaping not only their path but also their mindset as they embark on their adventure.
• Evaluate how different narratives utilize the concept of departure to enhance themes of growth and transformation within their stories.
  • Different narratives use departure to emphasize themes of growth and transformation by illustrating how heroes confront their fears and embrace change. In some stories, departure symbolizes not just a physical journey but also an emotional one, highlighting characters' struggles with identity and purpose. By showcasing how leaving behind their old lives challenges heroes to evolve, narratives can explore deeper themes such as self-discovery, resilience, and the quest for belonging, thereby enriching the overall message of personal growth through adversity.

Related terms

Call to Adventure: The moment that prompts the hero to leave their ordinary life and sets the journey in motion.

Threshold Guardian: Characters or obstacles that the hero must face or overcome before fully entering the new world.

Mentor: A wise and trusted figure who guides the hero, often appearing during the departure phase to provide advice or tools for the journey.