From Ordinary to Extraordinary

What Makes Stories Like Star Wars and The Lord of the Rings So Compelling?

Stories have fascinated us since ancient times. From epic myths told around the campfire to today’s blockbuster sagas, they don’t just entertain—they help us explore what it means to be human. But why do certain tales, like Star Wars or The Lord of the Rings, stay with us long after the credits roll? What makes them echo in our minds, calling us back for just one more adventure? The answer might lie in a storytelling structure that’s as old as time itself: the Hero’s Journey.

Popularized by Joseph Campbell’s The Hero with a Thousand Faces, this classic narrative framework—also called the monomyth—captures a journey that many heroes undertake. It's more than just a map for writers and filmmakers; today, it's shaping the way stories are crafted in video games, content creation, and even AI-generated narratives. Let’s dive into why this structure works so well, how it influences the stories we love, and how you can use it—even with a little help from AI—to write your own unforgettable tales.

What is the Hero's Journey?

At its core, the Hero’s Journey is about transformation. Campbell found that across cultures and eras, many stories share a common arc: a hero leaves their ordinary world, embarks on an adventure, faces trials, and returns changed. This structure is divided into three acts, each with distinct stages:

Departure: The hero is called out of their comfort zone—think Luke Skywalker leaving Tatooine or Frodo setting off from the Shire. This stage often begins with the “Call to Adventure,” inviting the hero into the unknown. Here are some prompts to help you explore this moment with AI:

- “Describe a day in the protagonist’s ordinary world. What unexpected event disrupts this routine and forces them to confront something unknown?”

- “Generate three scenarios where the hero receives a call to adventure, each one challenging their deepest fear.”

But heroes aren’t always eager to leave the familiar behind. Many struggle with the “Refusal of the Call,” caught between the comfort of their old life and the risks of the new. Think Bilbo Baggins hesitating to join Gandalf’s quest. To explore this hesitation, you might ask:

- “What is the hero most afraid of losing if they accept the adventure? Write a scene where they initially refuse to leave their safe life.”

Eventually, a mentor arrives to guide them forward—Obi-Wan Kenobi, Gandalf, or your own twist on the archetype. With this guidance, the hero “Crosses the Threshold” into the adventure.

Initiation: Now, the hero enters a world full of trials and challenges, far from the familiar comforts of home. This phase includes the “Abyss” or “Ordeal”—a critical moment where the hero faces their greatest fear. It’s the turning point, like Harry Potter battling the basilisk or Frodo facing the Nazgûl. To write these tense scenes, try:

- “Describe the hero’s deepest fear. Write a scene where they confront it during a life-or-death challenge.”

This stage forces the hero to change. They emerge from the ordeal transformed, wiser, and stronger.

Return: The adventure ends, but the hero is forever changed. They bring back an “Elixir”—a newfound wisdom or power that benefits their world. Simba’s return to Pride Rock, reclaiming his role as king, is a prime example. To bring this moment to life, consider:

- “What lesson or gift does the hero bring back to their community, and how is it received? Write a scene that shows the impact of their return.”

The Hero’s Journey is the backbone of many beloved stories—from The Odyssey to The Matrix. Its appeal lies in its reflection of life’s universal struggles and triumphs. Writers can explore this timeless connection by asking:

- “Generate a scene where a modern hero faces a trial similar to one faced by an ancient hero, like Odysseus. How does each character respond differently?”

This structure isn’t just about adventure; it’s about growth, change, and the challenges that shape us all.

Why Does the Hero's Journey Resonate So Deeply?

The Hero’s Journey resonates because it mirrors the struggles we face in real life. Every challenge, every transformation, reflects our own battles with fear, change, and self-discovery. It’s why we root for Frodo against the Ring’s corrupting power or cheer for Moana as she faces the unknown to save her people. These stories feel familiar, even when they unfold in galaxies far, far away.

But there’s more to it than just relatability. The structure itself is satisfying. It takes us from the comfort of the known, through the thrill of adventure, to a fulfilling conclusion. This arc gives us a sense of closure, a feeling that the journey—no matter how dangerous—was worth taking. It’s why these tales endure, finding a home in every culture and genre.

How Generative AI Can Bring the Hero’s Journey to Life

Now, storytelling is evolving, thanks to generative AI tools that help writers explore new takes on classic structures. Here’s how you can use AI to breathe fresh life into the Hero’s Journey:

Building Story Structure with AI: Let’s say you have an idea: “A young woman must save her village from a mysterious curse.” Input that premise, and the AI can provide an outline, breaking down the stages of the journey—from the Call to Adventure to the ultimate Return. Use prompts like:

- “Generate an outline of the hero’s journey stages for a story about a reluctant hero who discovers a hidden talent.”

- “What are three ways the hero could cross the threshold into the new world?”

This allows you to experiment with different versions of your story without having to start over each time.

AI-Powered World-Building: AI can also help you create the “Ordinary World” and “Special World” where your hero’s journey takes place. It can suggest rich, immersive details, whether you’re imagining a dystopian city or an enchanted forest. Try prompts like:

- “Describe the hero’s everyday life before the adventure, focusing on routines that make them feel stuck or unfulfilled.”

- “Imagine a world where the rules of reality are different. Write a description of this world through the eyes of a first-time visitor.”

Exploring Subversions of the Hero’s Journey:

- “What happens if the hero decides never to answer the call to adventure? Generate a storyline where they must live with the consequences of this choice.”

- “Write a scene where the mentor is revealed to have a hidden agenda, challenging the hero’s beliefs.”

These prompts can help you craft fresh takes on the monomyth, giving your story a unique twist while still honoring the structure that’s worked for centuries.

Conclusion

The Hero’s Journey is timeless—a storytelling blueprint that’s adapted across ages, cultures, and genres. It’s a guide for navigating the challenges of life, reflected through the lens of a hero’s transformation. In today’s world, generative AI offers a new dimension to this classic structure, helping writers create new worlds, rich characters, and fresh twists that keep readers engaged. Whether you’re building a brand-new epic or simply seeking to refine a story you’ve been dreaming about, the Hero’s Journey—and a little AI magic—can help you craft a tale that resonates, inspires, and endures. Happy writing, adventurer!