An extraordinary journey of an ordinary person is one of the most enduring narrative structures of storytelling. From ancient myths to modernised horizons, this pattern resonates across cultures and generations. The most pivotal moments in this journey are the “Call to Adventure” and “Pit of Despair”. These stages serve as the base for one’s growth, enabling them to break boundaries and achieve greater heights.

Call to Adventure : Threshold of Transformation

This is that moment when a person starts transforming into a hero- invited or forced- entering a new world all together. It inspires the hero to leave behind the ordinary and embrace the unknown. Its often the unforeseen external factors which disrupt a person’s comfort and pushes him to create a new one by choosing paths he wouldn’t have ever thought of walking on.

Think of Rani Lakshmibai, the “Queen of Jhansi”- born to a Maratha family and married to the King of Jhansi. Her true call came into picture during the Indian Rebellion of 1857 when she lost her husband and her son was denied his rightful claim to the throne under the controversial Doctrine of Lapse. Despite the personal and political challenges she faced, Rani Lakshmibai courageously led her troops into battle, defending Jhansi in a fierce siege. The rejection of the throne became her Call to Adventure resulting her to break boundaries and stand for her child’s right. Her bravery, leadership and unwavering determination makes her a hero who is even today celebrated and taken learnings from.

We all have moments when we are resistant in responding to this call, it may be the fear of failure, reluctance to leave the comfort zone or doubts of succeeding. It is normal to feel so, but a hero is born when we take that 1% chance of hope we hold.

Pit of Despair : Facing Heart of Darkness

The journey is not about just taking the call but also, walking towards the end destination ultimately which may not be a smooth ride. The Pit signifies the lowest phase of the hero’s story. It is often a moment of emotional breakdown where the hero is pushed to his limits, surrounded by obstacles and the goal seems distant.

Ishaan Avasthi in Taare Zameen Par goes through a Pit of Despair when his struggle with dyslexia is misunderstood by his own family, friends and teachers. He is punished and isolated leaving him feel inadequate and miserable of his existence which in turn caused him emotional turmoil. However, he fought all the battles against the odds he faced to stand strong and to be remembered as a hero.

Success is not something which will be served readily but is something you will have to hunt for. Hunting won’t be easy; there would be a lot of hurdles, failures but reaching the ultimate goal has no going back once started.

Life is a series of calls and challenges, highs and lows, victories and setbacks. The Call to Adventure and Pit of Despair are far more than just narrative devices in stories, they are the reflections of exceptional human experiences. Next time, you decide to embrace your own call, take a deep breath, step forward, know that the pit of despair is not the end and you are not just following a story arc but living it.

It’s just the beginning of your transformation into a true hero!