Christopher Vogler The Writers Journey
the power of suggestion.
An elixir can also be a medicine that heals every ill, a magical substance that
restores life. In alchemy the elixir is one of the steps towards the philosopher's
stone which can transmute metals, create life, and transcend death. T h i s ability to
overcome the forces of death is the real Elixir most heroes seek.
T h e hero is often required to steal the Elixir. It is the secret of life and death,
and much too valuable to be given up lighdy. Heroes may turn Trickster or thief to
make off with the treasure, like Prometheus stealing fire from the gods for mankind,
or Adam and Eve tasting the apple. T h i s theft may intoxicate the hero for a time, but
there is often a heavy price to pay later.
INITIATION
Heroes emerge from their Ordeals to be recognized as special and different, part
of a select few who have outwitted death. T h e I m m o r t a l s o f ancient Greece were
a very exclusive club
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