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The Hero's Journey is the template upon which the vast majority of successful stories and Hollywood blockbusters are based upon. In fact, ALL of the hundreds of Hollywood movies we have deconstructed (see URL below) are based on this 188 stage template. Understanding this template is a priority for story or screenwriters. a) Attempts to tap into unconscious expectations the audience has regarding what a story is and how it should be told. b) Gives the writer more structural elements than simply three or four acts, plot points, mid point and so on. c) Gives you a tangible process for building and releasing dissonance (establishing and achieving catharsis). d) Gives you a universal structural template upon which you can superimpose your situational story. and more... In story and screenwriting, structure is everything. You have to push the Hero through a Transformation in a particular order; dramatic structure requires that you build and release catharses in a particular manner. The order of the Magical Gifts received by the Hero from the Supernatural Aid and when they are used follows a distinct structure. Remember, this does not apply to only fantasy type stores as implied by the terminology "Supernatural Aid" etc - even in the most gritty, real-life down to earth stories the Hero recieves guidance and gifts from a Mentor figure. There are commonly five magical gifts (there is always a finite number) and one structural order is as follows: a) The first magical gift is the direction the Hero must take - where to go. b) The second magical gift helps the hero pass the Threshold Guardian upon entry into the First Threshold. c) The third magical gift aids the Hero during his trial in the First Threshold (Outer Cave). d) The fourth magical gift guides the Hero toward the Oracle. e) The fifth magical gift helps the Hero overcome the Guardians of the Sword.