In the Hero’s Journey, "The Ordinary World" is the first stage where the hero's normal life is established before the adventure begins. This setting provides crucial context for the character's background, environment, and relationships, allowing the audience to understand their motivations and the contrast between their ordinary existence and the extraordinary challenges they will soon face.
In this initial stage, the hero's world is depicted in a way that highlights their characteristics, flaws, and desires. It serves to create empathy and relatability, as viewers often find solace in the familiar aspects of the hero's life. The Ordinary World sets the tone for the journey ahead and presents the status quo that the hero will ultimately confront and transform.
For example, in J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Hobbit," Bilbo Baggins begins his adventure in the peaceful Shire, living a comfortable and predictable life that reflects his love for comfort and routine. His contentment is profoundly contrasted by the epic adventures that he is drawn into by Gandalf and the dwarves (Tolkien, 1937). This contrast highlights Bilbo's growth as he moves from the ordinary into the extraordinary, shaping his character for the challenges ahead.
As described by Joseph Campbell, the hero's Ordinary World is crucial for understanding the transformations that occur throughout the journey, as it lays the groundwork for the conflicts and revelations that follow (Campbell, 1949).
References:
- Campbell, J. (1949). The Hero with a Thousand Faces. Princeton University Press.
- Tolkien, J.R.R. (1937). The Hobbit. George Allen & Unwin.