The Ultimate Boon

Disciplines > Storytelling > Campbell's 'Hero's Journey' > The Ultimate Boon

Description | Discussion | See also

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Description

Eventually through the many trials, the goal of the journey is achieved. This is the ultimate boon.

The boon may be finally gained after a battle with the ultimate villain or a particularly difficult last trial.

Example

In Star Wars, Luke finally trusts in the force, manages to drop the bomb in the right place and so destroys the Death Star.

In Lord of the Rings, after many trials, the One Ring is cast into the cracks of doom where it is finally destroyed. Aragorn also takes his rightful place as heir of Isildur to the throne of Gondor.

Indiana Jones, in separate stories, gains the Ark of the Covenant, the Holy Grail and other treasures.

Discussion

The ultimate boon is often the climax of the story, where the major tension of the story is resolved.

Whereas the previous steps have tested and purified, the hero is now ready to receive the great gift of the Ark, the Grail, the Elixir or other such ultimate boon.

In movies, expensive special effects and large orchestras may be used to enhance the action, creating awe and wonder in the audience.