The Hidden Power of the Hero’s Journey

Blog by Gem Fadling

On the list of things you definitely do not need to know is what shows I like to watch in my spare time. But I’m going to share anyway. I really love singing competition shows. Yes, I’m talking about The Voice and American Idol.

I’m especially attracted to the mentoring aspects on The Voice. There is something intriguing about an experienced artist finding a diamond in the rough and nurturing them into a more polished performer. I never tire of that storyline.

The modus operandi on American Idol is slightly different. The judges aren’t necessarily looking for the best, most well-trained voice. They’re looking for someone who has star quality and a unique style point of view.

The one thing both shows have in common is that they tell the contestants’ backstories to draw viewers into their lives. They share a sense of personal drama so our hearts might become attached to them and we will keep watching. When we hear a contestant’s story, we are immediately drawn in and want them to succeed.

The show producers often choose to highlight difficulties a contestant has faced in life, and these human-interest stories build as the competition moves forward. My question is this: What is it about a dramatic hardship story that draws us in?

Maybe it’s because everyone loves a good underdog story. Hardship taps into our innate love of the Hero’s Journey that is built into every great story and biography. It is a through-line we all relate to because it portrays the truth of how things work in life: We won’t grow in maturity and wisdom unless we make our way through the rough times.

As a refresher, the Hero’s Journey can be summarized this way: 

• Call to Adventure: The hero is introduced in their ordinary world and receives a call to embark on an adventure.
• Crossing the Threshold: The hero leaves their familiar world behind and enters a new, unfamiliar realm filled with challenges.
• Trials and Tribulations: The hero faces various tests, makes allies and enemies, and undergoes significant growth.
• Climax and Transformation: The hero confronts the central ordeal, achieving a victory that leads to transformation and personal growth.
• Return with the Elixir: The hero returns to the ordinary world with newfound knowledge, wisdom, or a tangible reward that benefits their community.

We see this play out in every meaningful story, and nowhere is it more recognizable than in The Lord of the Rings. Can you see Frodo’s journey in the description above?

While singing shows are not on the same level as Tolkien’s tomes, producers know that an audience will resonate with the Hero’s Journey, so they give it to us in bite-size versions of the contestants’ lives. We can’t help being intrigued by this formula, and so we are drawn into the story and into their lives.

The Hero’s Journey is integral to understanding ourselves. It can give us a sense of purpose and place. We are all called to the adventure of our own lives, for as we move along in years we will certainly face challenges and unfamiliar territory. No one gets by without trials and difficulties. And these ultimately move us toward wisdom, maturity, and growth.

We can see the Hero’s Journey throughout the Bible in the stories of Abraham, Joseph, David, and even Jesus himself as he made his way to the cross. They were called out of the ordinary and into the adventure, journeyed through trials, and finally arrived at a place of transformation. It seems to be a God-ordained progressions, like it’s somehow encoded in our DNA.

It is important to remember that process matters. Having a bigger picture can help us make our way forward when the path ahead grows dim or overwhelming. And holding on to the hope of future wisdom gained can give just enough light to see by.

Notice how the resulting wisdom isn’t only for us but for the community. It benefits the people around us. This is the stuff of epic stories—and you are living yours right now.

A big part of our calling in life is to “share our lives.” This is the very message Alan and I received from God over thirty years ago. We took it as an invitation to share not only information but the how, when, where, and why of transformation.

Your story—your actual life with all its ups and downs—is what draws people to you. Don’t be afraid to share the rough bits when it’s appropriate in a particular situation or relationship. People need to know they aren’t alone. When we share our trials, we have a chance to receive and offer compassion, empathy, and community.

I realize that singing competition shows aren’t of cosmic importance, and yet even they take the time to tap into the Hero’s Journey to draw us toward the contestants.

Be mindful of where you are in your journey. Keep your finger on the pulse of the larger story in which God has placed you and continue to cooperate with his invitations along the way.

For Reflection: 

• Where do you find yourself on your own epic journey these days?
• How might you meet God within this specific season?
• How might your experience help, encourage, or inspire in others?