Heros Journey Pt2

1. The Ordinary World

John Wick, a retired assassin, lives a quiet life mourning his wife, Helen, who recently passed away from illness. In her final act of love, she arranged for a puppy, Daisy, to be delivered to John after her death, giving him something to love and care for in her absence. This life is a far cry from his violent past, as he seeks peace and solitude.

2. The Call to Adventure

The call to adventure arrives when Iosef Tarasov, the arrogant son of a powerful Russian mobster, takes an interest in John’s prized vintage car. When John refuses to sell it, Iosef and his thugs break into John’s home, steal the car, beat John senseless, and—most devastatingly—kill Daisy, the last gift from his late wife.

3. Refusal of the Call

While John is initially in shock, he hesitates for only a moment, wrestling with the decision to return to his old ways. However, the brutal loss of his dog and the violation of his home fuel his desire for revenge. He realizes he cannot let this act go unanswered.

4. Meeting with the Mentor

John doesn’t have a traditional mentor in this story, but he does reconnect with people from his past who remind him of the ruthless persona he once was. His old contacts, such as Aurelio the chop-shop owner and Winston, the manager of the Continental Hotel, acknowledge his legendary status and offer support, warning others of the danger they’ve unleashed.

5. Crossing the First Threshold

John crosses the threshold when he digs up his old weapons and assassin tools buried under concrete in his basement, fully embracing his identity as the legendary hitman once known as “Baba Yaga.” He sets out on a path of vengeance, signaling his return to the underworld of organized crime.

6. Tests, Allies, and Enemies

As he pursues Iosef, John encounters numerous tests and enemies within the criminal underworld. He battles several assassins and henchmen sent by Viggo Tarasov, Iosef’s father and John’s former employer, who understands just how dangerous John can be. Winston, an old ally, provides valuable information, while Marcus, another assassin, becomes an unexpected friend by secretly watching out for John despite the bounty placed on him.

7. Approach to the Inmost Cave

John’s pursuit of Iosef leads him into the heart of Viggo’s organization. After an intense battle at a nightclub where Iosef is hiding, John kills many of Viggo’s men but narrowly misses getting Iosef. Wounded, John retreats but remains focused on his goal, undeterred by the growing danger and mounting forces against him.

8. The Ordeal

The ordeal escalates when Viggo, furious over John’s relentless pursuit, increases the bounty on his head and orders Marcus to kill him. In a turning point, John learns that Viggo has captured Marcus and has tortured him to death for aiding John. This act of betrayal and cruelty ignites John’s resolve, pushing him to confront Viggo head-on.

9. Reward (Seizing the Sword)

With nothing left to lose, John finally tracks down Iosef and kills him, avenging Daisy and honoring the memory of his late wife. This vengeance serves as both a cathartic release and a dark acknowledgment of his former self—the unstoppable assassin who once feared nothing.

10. The Road Back

After eliminating Iosef, John faces one last confrontation with Viggo, who is now fully committed to destroying him. A final showdown ensues between the two, and though it nearly costs him his life, John emerges victorious. By killing Viggo, he effectively severs the last tie to his past life in the Russian mob.

11. The Resurrection

Although John has achieved his vengeance, he must decide what this act of violence means for his future. He returns to the peaceful life he tried to build, but the journey has left him irrevocably changed. The act of vengeance reminds him of who he is at his core—both a man capable of love and an unparalleled warrior shaped by violence.

12. Return with the Elixir

In the final moments, wounded but alive, John finds solace in a new dog he rescues from an animal shelter, symbolizing a fresh start and a potential path toward healing. The dog represents both closure and a reminder of his humanity, the “elixir” that allows him to carry forward. Though the world of violence may call to him, he leaves with a renewed sense of purpose and a reminder that he has the power to choose his own path.