# Departure

LLMS index: [llms.txt](/dvw/en/llms.txt)

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- The call to adventure. The hero is given an indication that everything is going to change. The call may be symbolic, and the hero doesn’t have to realize what it means.

- Refusal of the call. The hero is required to act, but initially refuses. This can be through fear, duty, or a whole bunch of other things. If the hero holds out, they may be subjected to assault until they take the hint.

- Supernatural aid. Once the hero accepts the call, a supernatural guide is revealed to help them. Now they can enter the world of their quest.

- The crossing of the first threshold. The hero leaves their own world and enters that of their adventure. This is a dangerous place, with unknown rules and unknown limits. The new realm may have a guardian that the hero has to defeat or befriend to get past the threshold.

- The belly of the whale. This is symbolic, representing the final separation of the hero’s old world, old self, and a developing new world, new self. By entering the belly of the whale (or anything womb-like), the hero is committing to rebirth and transformation.