Summery
The ninth stage of the Hero's Journey is the Reward. After the hero makes it through the ordeal, the reward is usually signified by a celebration such as a party or a love scene. The Reward can also be signified by new friendships and bonds formed after the hero and other characters survive the Ordeal together. Vogler also refers to this moment as "Seizing the Sword" as the reward is commonly "an active movement of the hero who aggressively takes possession of whatever was being sought in the Special World" (178). The image of the sword can stand for concrete rewards such as treasure or emotional rewards such as winning someone's love. Vogler also says that "Seizing the Sword can be a moment of clarity" (180), as the Hero might find themselves with new insight or sharpened intuitions. The Reward serves as a moment of new awareness and perception that the Hero gains after risking their life.
After the Hero is able to enjoy their Reward, they continue on their Hero's Journey as they encounter Stage Ten: The Road Back. When a hero starts on their road back they most commonly return to their original starting point as this "represents the resolve of the hero to return to the Ordinary World and implement the lessons learned in the Special World" (189). After a quick pause to enjoy the success of the Reward, a hero must continue on with their adventure as they make their way home. This point is commonly the marking point for the transition from Act Two to Act Three as "The road back causes the third act" (189). The hero can have another encounter with the villain or be involved in extension of the ordeal such as a chase scene or another battle. After enjoying the Reward, The Road Back can difficult as "heroes may encounter setbacks that seem to doom the adventure" (192). This stage is where the hero must show their willingness to complete their journey while using what they learned from their Reward.
Reaction
Although the Reward seems to fit perfectly in its place, after the Ordeal, The Road Back is an interesting aspect of the Hero's Journey. Once the hero faces the Ordeal it seems as if they should encounter smooth sailing until the end of the journey. However, The Road Back, as harmless as it sounds can hold even more adventure and tests for the hero to pass. For the Reward the notion of "Seizing the Sword" seems very fitting and actually helps to visualize this stage of the journey. The "magical flight motif" mentioned in The Road Back is a very interesting concept as the transformations that Vogler mentions seem as if they belong in previous parts of the journey as well.
Questions
1. How does the "Seizing the Sword" metaphor help explain possible Reward experiences?
2. Which previous stages of the journey does the knowledge that the hero gains with the Reward come from?
Reaction
Although the Reward seems to fit perfectly in its place, after the Ordeal, The Road Back is an interesting aspect of the Hero's Journey. Once the hero faces the Ordeal it seems as if they should encounter smooth sailing until the end of the journey. However, The Road Back, as harmless as it sounds can hold even more adventure and tests for the hero to pass. For the Reward the notion of "Seizing the Sword" seems very fitting and actually helps to visualize this stage of the journey. The "magical flight motif" mentioned in The Road Back is a very interesting concept as the transformations that Vogler mentions seem as if they belong in previous parts of the journey as well.
Questions
1. How does the "Seizing the Sword" metaphor help explain possible Reward experiences?
2. Which previous stages of the journey does the knowledge that the hero gains with the Reward come from?
3. What are film examples of the hero facing a setback during The Road Back?
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