#1. Ordinary World
Hercules begins his journey in the Ordinary World as a young man living in Greece with his wife and children. He is content with his life as a farmer and soldier, but he is not yet aware of his true identity or potential.
#2. Call to Adventure
Hercules is called to adventure when he learns from two messengers from Zeus that he is actually a demigod, the son of Zeus and Hera. He is instructed to go to the temple of Zeus and complete twelve labors in order to atone for his sins and become a true hero.
#3. Refusal of the Call
At first, Hercules refuses to believe that he is a demigod and sets out to kill the messengers. However, he is stopped by his wife Megara who convinces him to go to the temple of Zeus and learn more about his potential.
#4. Meeting the Mentor
At the temple of Zeus, Hercules meets his mentor, the god Hermes. Hermes tells Hercules about his true identity and potential, and gives him guidance on how to complete his twelve labors.
#5. Crossing the Threshold
Hercules crosses the threshold when he sets out on his first labor, to kill the Nemean lion. This is a significant moment as it marks his transition from ordinary farmer and soldier to true hero.
#6. Tests, Allies, and Enemies
Hercules faces many tests, allies, and enemies during his twelve labors. He must overcome great challenges, including killing the Hydra, capturing the Erymanthian boar, and stealing the golden apples of the Hesperides. He also makes allies along the way, such as the centaur Chiron and the queen of the Amazons, Hippolyta.
#7. Approach to the Inmost Cave
The inmost cave is the final labor, in which Hercules must descend into the Underworld and capture the three-headed dog Cerberus. This is the most difficult and dangerous task, and Hercules must overcome his fears and doubts to succeed.
#8. Ordeal
The ordeal is the moment of truth in which Hercules must face his greatest challenge and overcome it. In the case of Hercules, the ordeal is the final labor, in which he must descend into the Underworld and capture the three-headed dog Cerberus.
#9. Reward
The reward is the prize that the hero receives for successfully completing the challenges of the journey. In Hercules' case, the reward is immortality and a place among the gods on Mount Olympus.
#10. The Road Back
The road back is the return journey home, during which the hero must face challenges and obstacles one last time. In Hercules' case, he must battle the giant Antaeus and defeat the army of the king of Lydia.
#11. Resurrection
The resurrection is the moment in which the hero is transformed and reborn. In Hercules' case, this occurs after he completes his twelve labors and is granted immortality by Zeus.
#12. Return with the Elixir
The return with the elixir is the final stage of the journey, in which the hero returns home with the prize or knowledge that was gained during the adventure. In Hercules' case, he returns to Mount Olympus as a god.