188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth): Fate of the Demon King

The demon king lives in a world of infinite treasure but is constantly pursued (and must avoid) the forces of good. He has gained his kingdom by committing the vilest of acts. The antihero realises that a kingdom such as this is the elixir. But in order to obtain it, he must follow the same path [of committing vile acts]. In Scarface (1983), Tony wants to take over Frank's dope empire.

188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth): Period of Indecision

A preliminary stage of the Road of Trials is the Period of Indecision. The crux is that this is a period where the hero's old self dissolves away and the hero in as yet uncertain whether this is the correct path for him. Often, it is the elixir or some reward further down the line that motivates him. In The Godfather (1972), it is the sword that motivates Michael (his bride, the meeting of Appollonia).

188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth): Backstory

A preliminary aspect of the road of trials is backstory. This is illustrated in a number of ways. In The Godfather (1972), Michael visists Corleone. In Romancing the Stone (1983), Jack tells Joan about his past and reasons for being in Colombia.

188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth): Boon

The ultimate boon is simply the prize that comes with the conquest of the inner challenge. It is the tangible symbol of the conquest of the inner challenge.

188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth)- Hero's Journey- Good Cop Bad Cop

Two types of detectives exist in the detective hero's word: those who like and assist the hero and others who despise him and are waiting for a chance to take his license away or imprison him. In The Maltese Falcon (1939), the lieutenant wants to put Sam away.

188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth)- Hero's Journey- Femme Fatale Nature

The femme female will have an element of the mysterious about her, adding to her already dubious status. In The Maltese Falcon (1939), Sam can never reach O'Shaugnessey when he needs to.

188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth)- Hero's Journey- Push to the First Threshold

the hero and the deceased, confront him with it. The good cop realises the link is spurious while bad cop promises to pursue it until it leads to the hero's jailing. This motivates the hero to solve the crime. In The Maltese Falcon (1939), Tom and Dundy visit Spade.

188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth)- Fourth Catharsis

One of the Antagonist's Lieutenants (who may be the Shape Shifter) may appear from nowhere and be quickly vanquished. In Die Hard (1988), Karl appears from under the sheet and takes the officer's gun.

188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth) - Regression and Devolution

It is here that any unresolved issues are brought to light (post Trial 3 and the conquest of the Outer Challenge).

188 Stage Hero's Journey - Monomyth - Refusal and Atonement

Atonement is actually the confrontation of the Inner Challenge, but is most often represented by a father or mother figure. In Bonnie and Clyde (1967), they visit Mama.

188 Stage Hero's Journey - Monomyth - Romantic Challenge Conquered

Obstacles to the Reward are referenced. In Dances with Wolves (1990), Kicking Bird's wife discusses the mourning.

188 Stage Hero's Journey - Monomyth - Dissolution of the Self - Innate Capabilities

In the second Trial and Transformation, the Hero proves he is worthy for the New World and the New Self. The Hero is not like other men and this demonstrates it.

188 Stage Hero's Journey - Monomyth - Preparation

Before the actual Journey out of the Ordinary World, the Hero usually prepares.