Hero’s Journey Template to Craft Epic Stories (Free Download)
The hero's journey is like the secret sauce behind most epic fantasy tales. Whether you're spinning a classic sword-and-sorcery saga or a modern twist on the genre, the hero's journey gives your story structure and resonance. But where do you start? That’s where a hero's journey template comes in—your trusty roadmap to plot success.
In this post, we’ll break down the hero's journey into bite-sized stages, share actionable tips to craft your story, and explain why this framework has stood the test of time.
Oh, and as promised, here’s a blank hero’s journey template (with prompts and descriptions) that you can download for free (compatible with Excel and Google Docs).
What is the hero's journey?
First things first—what exactly is the hero's journey? It’s a storytelling structure popularized by mythologist Joseph Campbell in The Hero with a Thousand Faces. The idea is simple: most great stories follow a pattern where the hero embarks on an adventure, faces challenges, transforms, and returns home changed.
Think Frodo trekking to Mordor in The Lord of the Rings. His journey—marked by challenges, allies, and ultimate transformation—follows distinct stages that resonate deeply with readers.
The 12 hero's journey stages (explained with Frodo's adventure for clarity)
Let’s break down the stages of the hero’s journey and see how they apply to Frodo’s quest in The Fellowship of the Ring.
1. Ordinary world
The hero starts in their regular, everyday life—often dull or restrictive. This stage establishes their world, relationships, and what’s missing in their life.
Tip: Show what’s missing or unsatisfying in the hero’s life to make their need for change feel compelling.
Example: Frodo lives a peaceful life in the Shire, surrounded by friends and family, blissfully unaware of the wider dangers of Middle-earth.
2. Call to adventure
Something disrupts the hero’s ordinary life, presenting them with a challenge or opportunity they can’t ignore.
Tip: The call should introduce high stakes and make it clear why the hero must act.
Example: Gandalf reveals the true nature of the One Ring and tasks Frodo with keeping it out of Sauron’s hands.
3. Refusal of the call
The hero hesitates, fearing the unknown or doubting their ability to face the challenge.
Tip: Use this stage to showcase the hero’s vulnerabilities or fears, making their eventual acceptance more meaningful.
Example: Frodo is reluctant to leave the safety of the Shire and doubts his ability to carry the burden of the Ring.
4. Meeting the mentor
The hero encounters a mentor who provides guidance, tools, or encouragement to help them embark on their journey.
Tip: The mentor should empower the hero but not overshadow them—the hero must ultimately face the journey alone.
Example: Gandalf equips Frodo with knowledge about the Ring and its dangers but emphasizes that the journey is Frodo’s to undertake.
5. Crossing the threshold
The hero leaves their familiar world and enters the unknown, committing fully to the adventure.
Tip: This moment should feel transformative—there’s no turning back.
Example: Frodo and his companions leave the Shire and narrowly escape the Black Riders, marking the start of their perilous journey.
6. Tests, allies, and enemies
The hero faces challenges, forms alliances, and encounters enemies, all of which help them grow and prepare for the ultimate ordeal.
Tip: Create subplots with allies and foes to deepen your story and keep the stakes high.
Example: Frodo befriends Aragorn, who becomes a key ally, while the relentless pursuit of the Nazgûl tests his courage and determination.
7. Approach to the inmost cave
The hero nears the heart of their journey, facing their fears and preparing for the greatest challenge ahead.
Tip: Build tension and suspense to make this stage a true turning point.
Example: The Fellowship ventures into the dark, dangerous Mines of Moria, testing their unity and resolve.
8. Ordeal
The hero faces their greatest challenge or darkest moment, often emerging changed in some way.
Tip: The ordeal should feel like a life-or-death situation, pushing the hero to their limits.
Example: Frodo witnesses Gandalf’s fall to the Balrog, a devastating moment that forces him to grow as a leader and shoulder greater responsibility.
9. Reward (seizing the sword)
The hero achieves their goal or gains something valuable, but often at a significant cost.
Tip: Make the reward meaningful and impactful—it should signify progress but come with consequences.
Example: Frodo emerges from Moria with a renewed determination to protect the Ring, but the Fellowship has been deeply shaken by Gandalf’s loss.
10. The road back
The hero begins their return journey, but challenges still remain as they transition back to the ordinary world.
Tip: Show how the hero’s transformation influences their decisions and relationships.
Example: Frodo starts to distance himself from the group, feeling the corrupting influence of the Ring.
11. Resurrection
The hero faces a final, climactic test that solidifies their transformation.
Tip: This stage should demonstrate how the hero has changed and what they’ve learned.
Example: Frodo chooses to leave the Fellowship and continue his journey alone, proving his courage and commitment to the quest.
12. Return with the elixir
The hero returns to their world with newfound wisdom, power, or peace to share with others.
Tip: The elixir doesn’t have to be physical—it can be emotional growth or a new perspective.
Example: While Frodo hasn’t completed his journey, he carries the "elixir" of purpose and clarity into the next phase of his quest.
Creating your own hero's journey outline
Not sure how to map out your story? Here’s how to get started:
Grab your template: Download our blank hero's journey template.
Define your hero: What’s missing in their life, and what do they need to learn?
Sketch the stages: Jot down ideas for each step. Don’t worry about perfection—it’s a guide, not a rulebook.
Add your twist: How will your story stand out? Subvert a stage or add unique stakes.
Why fantasy writers love this blank hero's journey template
Still wondering if the template is right for you? Here’s why it’s a game-changer for fantasy authors:
Saves time: No more staring at a blank page—just follow the framework.
Boosts creativity: The prompts spark ideas you might not have considered.
Adaptable: Use it as is or tweak it to suit your unique story style.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I skip stages in the hero's journey?
Yes, you can! The hero's journey is a flexible framework, not a rigid checklist. While hitting the major stages often creates a satisfying narrative arc, you can skip or combine certain stages if it serves your story better. Just ensure your plot feels cohesive and emotionally complete.
2. Does the hero’s journey work for ensemble casts?
Definitely. For ensemble stories, you can adapt the hero’s journey by focusing on one central character whose arc drives the plot, or you can distribute the stages across multiple characters. For example, in The Lord of the Rings, Frodo’s journey takes center stage, but characters like Aragorn, Sam, and Gandalf each experience smaller arcs that enrich the overall story.
3. How do I avoid clichés when using the hero's journey?
The key is to focus on what makes your hero and story unique. Subvert expectations by reimagining traditional stages. For instance, the mentor might have their own agenda, or the final reward might come with unexpected consequences. Incorporating personal or cultural elements specific to your world can also make the journey feel fresh and original.
