Joseph Campbell's Theory of Common Elements in Legends of Different Cultures and Great Stories in Media
A hero ventures forth from the world of common day into a region of supernatural wonder: fabulous forces are there encountered and a decisive victory is won: the hero comes back from this mysterious adventure with the power to bestow favors on others.
"The hero's journey" begins in the ordinary world.
The hero must depart from the ordinary world when they receive a call to adventure.
With the help of a mentor, the hero will cross a guarded threshold, leading them to a supernatural world, where familiar laws and order do not apply.
There, the hero will embark on a road of trials, where they are tested along the way. The archetypal hero is sometimes assisted by allies.
As the hero faces the ordeal, they encounter the greatest challenge of the journey.
Upon rising to the challenge, the hero will receive a reward, or boon.
The hero must then decide to return with this boon to the ordinary world.
The hero then faces more trials on the road back, including a changing identity, naming, or other significant change (resurrection) as a result of the knowledge, skills, or perceptions gained in the adventure.
Upon the hero's return, the boon or gift may be used to improve the hero's ordinary world.