The Hero's Journey in The Wizard of Oz

The Wizard of Oz is a motion picture starring Judy Garland

  1. Ordinary World

    The story begins with Dorothy, the child-hero, living a dull life in Kansas

  2. Call to Adventure

    Dorothy first runs away, yearning for adventure, then is swept away from her world by the great wind. Will Dorothy ever find her way home to Kansas again?

  3. Refusal of the Call

    After Dorothy runs away and before she is swept away by the wind, Professor Marvel persuades her to refuse the call and return home. This is an excellent example of a hero (Dorothy) accepting the call, and a mentor urging the hero to "stay home", pointing out the dangers of the journey. But forces have been set in motion that will force Dorothy to take part in the adventure, and she is swept away by the wind

  4. Meeting with the Mentor

    Professor Marvel mentors Dorothy, urging her to stay home. Glenda the Good Witch, whom Dorothy meets in Oz, give Dorothy advice and magical ruby slippers which will be the key to her returning.

  5. Crossing the First Threshold

    Dorothy sets out on the yellow brick road, which will lead her to adventures she's never dreamed of.

  6. Tests, Allies, Enemies

    Dorothy is joined by allies: the Scarecrow, the Tin Woodman, and Cowardly Lion. She makes enemies - the grumpy talking trees in the orchard. She passes a number of tests - freeing Scarecrow from the nail, helping Cowardly Lion deal with his fear, and oiling Tin Soldier

  7. Approach to the Inmost Cave

    Dorothy is Kidnapped by the Wicked Witch and taken to her castle. Can she escape with the help of her allies?

  8. 8. Supreme Ordeal

    Dorothy and her allies Tin Soldier, Scarecrow, and Cowardly Lion are trapped by the Wicked Witch. There seems to be no way out (death)

  9. Reward (Seizing the Sword)

    Dorothy escapes the Wicked Witch's castle. She takes the witch's broomstick with her, and the magic slippers given her by the good witch. These magical items are her keys to getting home.

  10. The Road Back

    The road back home is difficult. Although the wizard prepares a hot air balloon to send Dorothy back to Kansas, Dorothy is distracted and the balloon lifts off without her.

  11. Resurrection

    The Wizard floats off in the balloon without Dorothy, destroying all her hopes to return. Then her hopes are resurrected by the appearance of the Good Witch who tells Dorothy she has the power to return home herself. As all hero's must, Dorothy finds the answer within herself.

  12. Return with the Elixir

    Dorothy returns to Kansas with the knowledge that she's loved, and that there's no place like home.

    Copyright 2000, 2002 Muse Creations Inc. No unauthorized copying or duplication.