Campbell states the twelve steps of the Hero’s journey as a basic structure that must be followed. It begins with the hero’s ordinary world that has something call them into an adventure situation. In most cases they refuse the call until they meet a mentor. The hero must then cross a threshold and face several tests and meet enemies as well as some new friends. The hero must prepare for an approach into the biggest peril of the journey where there is loads of crisis. He faces “death” but eventually prevails and must then get back into the ordinary world. The hero must then become resurrected through some sort of last challenge and return using elixir.
Theseus removed a sword and thus began his journey. He wanted to go to Athens to claim his prize so he set out and crossed the threshold. He came up against club man and passed one of the many tests that would await him. Once he reached Athens many thought he couldn’t be trusted but Aegeus recognized his sword. Eventually Theseus had to be rescued from Hades by Herakles thus completing the return with elixir.
Herakles sees the Oracles and wants to obtain immortality so they explain the 12 labors of Eurystheus. Some of the labors he faces include a lion, a hydra, stealing a belt, and the most treacherous of course, cleaning a barn. Herakles gets some help from titans and his crisis begins with the taking of Kerberos. He is rewarded with freedom from labors but he kills Iphitos and must then serve as a slave to be resurrected.
Hum 115: World Mythology 