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The Hero’s Journey Analysis

 Fill in your answers directly on this unaltered form.
 Please refer back to the Hero Journey Lesson in your responses.
 Be sure to answer all questions in the prompt to receive full credit for your response.

Myth Title:

Myth Title Response: Cu Chulainn

1) The Call to Adventure:

In the first step, Call to Adventure, the Hero is living some semblance of a normal life or a
routine existence. Someone or something pulls them out of this familiar lifestyle. The Call to
Adventure signals the beginning of the quest and the story proper, and, without it, there wouldn’t
be a story worth telling.

The Call to Adventure is usually what pulls the Hero into their quest. Describe the scene,
the nature of the Hero's quest, and how it provides the Hero with a newfound purpose in
the story you chose to analyze. [100 words minimum]

Call to Adventure Response:

In the story of Cu Chulainn, the call to adventure for the young boy is when he
overhears Cathbad, the druid, say “The lad that takes up arms today will be a great
warrior and his fame will be everlasting, but his life will end at a young age.” This is
when Cu Chulainn ran to his uncle and begged for permission to begin training as a
warrior. That’s when his uncle Conchobar gave him training weapons because he saw
no harm in it. While on the training yard, Conchobar saw the concern from Cathbad
because Cathbad explained to the king that Cu Chulainn hasn’t spoken with him. After
questioning Cu Chulainn, Cu Chulainn explained he’d rather have everlasting fame than
a long life.

2) Belly of the Whale:

The Belly of the Whale is the first time in the quest, the Hero comes face to face with the
possibility of dying on their journey. In cases where the quest isn’t that serious, or where the
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Hero isn’t afraid to die, death is replaced by failure. Ultimately, they survive and undergo a
major psychological change. This change is a shift in thinking, where the Hero comes to accept
that they are no longer in the world of the familiar and that they have very little control of the
world around them.

The Belly of the Whale is the moment that the Hero faces down death or failure for the first
time. Describe the event, its significance to the Hero, and the psychological ramifications of
this encounter in the story you chose to analyze. [100 words minimum]

Belly of the Whale Response:

The first time Cu Chulainn was in the belly of the whale was during The Cattle
Raid of Cooley. This occurs during his intense battle against Ferdiad. This encounter is
the first time Cu Chulainn confronts the reality of killing a close friend, highlighting a
pivotal moment of moral conflict and personal sacrifice. Cu Chulainn is torn between
duty and emotional turmoil during his battle with Ferdiad. Cu Chulainn experiences
psychological issue, he experiences guilt and sorrow over having to slay a valued
companion, marking a loss of innocence. This event foreshadows the tragic elements of
his fate and the heavy burden of heroism, illustrating that true bravery often involves
profound personal sacrifice and inner conflict.This signifies the transition from youthful
valor to the darker realities of war and the cost of his heroic identity.

3) Meeting with a Deity:

Meeting with a Deity occurs when the Hero encounters a powerful force who offers otherworldly
strength and often respite. This can be a moment of deep connectivity and a broader
understanding of the world around them, changing the Hero’s perspective and helping the Hero
realize the importance of their role. The Deity can be positive or negative, or both, but the effect
and purpose are the same. The Deity also does not have to be a God or Goddess.

Describe the “Deity” that changes the Hero’s perspective and the way in which the Hero’s
perspective changes in the story you chose to analyze. [100 words minimum]

Meeting with a Deity Response:

A pivotal encounter with the goddess Morrigan serves as the transformative
“Meeting with a Deity.” Morrigan, the goddess of war and fate, appears to Cu Chulainn
offering both guidance and forewarning. First, she prophesies about his impending
doom, but also gives him insight into the nature of heroism and sacrifice. This
encounter profoundly alters Cu Chulainn’s perspective, as he comes to the realization
that his fate is intricately tied to the choices he makes, including the consequences of
his violent path. Rather than being a fearless warrior, Cu Chulainn struggles with the
inevitability of death and the weight of his legacy, recognizing his role in the larger
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narrative of conflict and destiny. This insight enriches his character, shifting him from a
one-dimensional hero to a tragic figure who understands the intricacies of life, fate, and
the delicate balance between courage and fragility.

Apotheosis and Ultimate Boon:

The Apotheosis is the moment when a Hero becomes greater than they were before. This can
manifest itself as a greater mental or spiritual awareness, an elevation in social status, or as the
Hero becoming exponentially more powerful than they were before. The Apotheosis is often on
the way to, or the result of the Ultimate Boon, the act of achieving the goal of the quest.

Describe how the goal is achieved and how the Hero is elevated in status, as well as the
ramifications of the Hero's transformation on the rest of the story. Be sure to identify each
step (Apotheosis and Ultimate Boon) clearly in the response. [100 words minimum]

Apotheosis Response:
Cu Chulainn's transformative moment of Apotheosis unfolds as he confronts his
destiny during the pivotal battle against the armies of Connacht. Following his
encounter with Morrigan and the acknowledgment of his impending demise, Cu
Chulainn transcends his mortal constraints, embracing his role as a legendary hero
predestined for greatness. It is during this critical juncture that he taps into extraordinary
strength and abilities, exemplified by his legendary battle frenzy or ríastrad, which
renders him an invincible force on the battlefield. This ascension not only amplifies his
power but also cements his status as an iconic figure in Irish mythology.

Ultimate Boon Response:

Cu Chulainn's attainment of the Ultimate Boon is marked by his triumphant
defense of Ulster against Queen Medb's invading forces, showcasing his unparalleled
prowess and securing the safety of his homeland. This remarkable feat elevates him to
legendary status, cementing his reputation as a formidable defender and warrior.
However, the consequences of his transformation are profound; while he gains
widespread acclaim, the cost is substantial. Cu Chulainn's acceptance of his fate leads
to increased isolation, as he struggles with the weighty burden of his heroism and the
ultimate price of his life. Consequently, his Apotheosis not only brings him glory but also
portends the tragedy and inevitability of his demise, influencing the narrative's trajectory
and delving deeper into the themes of heroism, sacrifice, and the toll of greatness.

Master of Two Worlds and Freedom to Live:

The Master of Two Worlds is demonstrated when the Hero shows mastery over things and
emotions that challenged them in the past. If the Hero is a Master of Two Worlds they can pass
into the world of adventure and go back to their ordinary life easily.
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The Freedom to Live is where we see that the Hero is free from the burdens (physical and
psychological) of the quest and are able to go on with their lives as they please.

Describe the ways in which the Hero exhibits (or fails to achieve) these two steps, including
how the Hero has been transformed since the start of their quest. Be sure to address both
steps, even if they fail to achieve one, and identify each step in your response. [100 words
minimum]

Master of Two Worlds Response:

Cu Chulainn's embodiment of the Master of Two Worlds is evident as he
harmonizes his dual persona as a fierce warrior and a guardian of his homeland.
Throughout his narrative, Cu Chulainn has traversed the brutal landscape of battle
while shouldering the weight of his obligations to Ulster. Ultimately, he exhibits mastery
over his emotions, no longer surrendering to unbridled fury but instead harnessing his
strength for the greater good. Nevertheless, the tragic dimension of his character
surfaces as he grapples with reconciling his heroic identity with everyday life, as his
trajectory leads to an inescapable estrangement from those he safeguards.

Freedom to Live Response:

Freedom to Live becomes a more complex concept for Cu Chulainn. While he
achieves moments of triumph and glory, the psychological burdens of prophecy and
fate loom over him. Rather than experiencing true freedom, he remains tethered to his
destined role of a hero who must ultimately face death. This haunting awareness
restricts his ability to live freely, as each victory is shadowed by the knowledge that his
time as a hero is finite. Thus, although Cu Chulainn exhibits mastery over the
challenges he faces, he paradoxically finds himself unable to enjoy the freedom of a life
unburdened by fate, highlighting the tragic dimensions of his character and the
sacrifices inherent in heroism.