Vogler, Christopher. “Book One: Mapping the Journey-Threshold Guardian, Herald, Shapeshifter, Shadow, Ally, and the Trickster.” The Writer’s Journey: Mythic Structure for Writers. 3rd Edition. Studio City, CA: Michael Wiese Productions, 2007. 49-80.
Summary
Every story is composed of many archetypes that serve a specific function. The archetypes discussed in this annotated bibliography are: the Threshold Guardian, the Herald, the Shapeshifter, the Shadow, the Ally, and the Trickster. The primary function of the threshold guardian is to test the hero. They are early indicators that new power and success is coming (51). Threshold Guardians can be from bodyguards to entrance examiners, whose other function is to temporarily block the way of the hero (52). The call of adventure is one of the main important parts of every story. The archetype in charge of doing this is the Herald (56). The Herald alerts both the hero and the audience that change and adventure are coming (56). It may be a hero’s loved one or ally, or someone neutral to the hero, such as a Trickster or Threshold Guardian (57). It is very common for the hero to have a special love interest or romantic partner that will manifest the qualities of a Shapeshifter (59). Traditional Shapeshifters are witches, ogres, and wizards. They serve the dramatic function of bringing doubt and suspense into a story (61).
The Shadow is an archetype that represents the energy of the dark side, the unexpressed, unrealized, rejected aspects of something, or maybe the power of repressed feelings (65). It challenges the hero and gives him a worthy opponent in the struggle (66). It may also be a force external to the hero, or a deeply repressed part of the hero (68). As many people know, a hero needs some companionship during the journey. An Ally has the function of being a companion, sparring partner, and conscience. It humanizes the hero, and also challenges him to be more open and balanced (71). Allies do not have to be humans; they can be angels or animals (73). The Trickster archetype embodies the energies of mischief and desire for change. They cut big egos down to size and bring heroes and audience to the earth (77). The dramatic function of the Trickster is comic relief (78). In Batman’s movie, Dark Knight, the Joker is an example of a Trickster, because it makes the audience laugh and have a good time while experiencing a suspense scene.
Reaction
I really like this book, and the way Vogler describes every archetype, including their functions, types, and also giving some examples so that you can understand even better. One thing that captured my attention is the fact that characters can switch their archetypes, and become other archetypes in the story. Like I said before, archetypes are like masks worn by the characters. The archetype that I like the most is the hero, of course, but also the Trickster. In Batman’s movie the Joker was one of the most important characters from the beginning to the end. Although it was also Batman’s opponent, he was just hilarious. The Joker’s occurrences in the movie made the audience feel better when the suspension and tragic scenes where taking place. As the book says, it was a comic relief.
Questions:
1. Which of the archetypes discussed in Book One do you like the most? Why?
2. How does these archetypes relate to each other? Describe some ways.