Vogler, Christopher. The Writers Journey: Mythic Structure for Writers. 3rd ed.
Summary
Is this section of Vogler’s book, he discusses several of his archetypes including the threshold guardian, the herald, the shapeshifter, the shadow, the ally, and the trickster. Many of these archetypes are included in each hero story. Vogler starts with the threshold guardian. The threshold guardian is somewhat like a villain, in that it is usually some kind of obstacle in the hero’s way. It is typically not the main villain, but may be like a side kick of some kind to the main villain. The threshold guardian is meant to test the hero and can sometimes even become an ally.
Next, Vogler describes the herald which is like a mentor in a lot of ways. The herald presents a new challenge to the hero when the story is getting slow. In this way, they then provide the motivation for change. The herald is typically a person, but it can also be a force, like an event of some kind.
The shapeshifter is someone who appears to “change constantly from the hero’s point of view”. Typically, this is a woman, although the shapeshifter is no stranger to the male species. The often change mood and sometimes even physically change appearance. Vogler also mentions Carl Jung’s theory of the animus and the anima, elements in our unconscious that represent or female and male qualities. Males with anima, or the female characteristics, are more emotional and sensitive while women are working to regain their animus which is the powerful and assertive side of the unconscious. The anima and animus often plays a role with the shapeshifters.
The shadow is like a villain, but it is not always a person. The shadow is more like a repressed feeling or a dark energy. It can be something the hero does not want to admit about him or herself. These feelings can however, be reflected by a person who would therefore be the hero’s villain. The shadow’s main function is usually to challenge the hero to overcome this fear or repressed feeling.
A more positive archetype is the ally. Allies are helpful “sidekicks” who travel with the hero. Most often they provide advice when the hero needs it, but they can also challenge the hero or give comic relief. They are very similar to the herald and the mentor.
Finally, Vogler describes the trickster. The trickster is often a comical sidekick or a character that desires change. They bring heroes “down to earth” and help them to not take things so seriously. The trickster may also be a hero. This is most commonly portrayed in folktales with animals like the rabbit or the fox. They are quick-witted and often outsmart the villain.
Reaction
Vogler does a good job relating his archetypes to everyday life and to characters in stories. While The Writer’s Journey is typically used for stories like in books and movies, I can see how this relates to real life too. Everyone has or has had a shadow element in their life or a herald or mentor to help them in their own life journey. The anima and animus too is evident in today’s society as men are pushed to be more sensitive and understanding and more and more women are becoming heads of companies or starting their own businesses.
Questions
1. What is the difference between a mentor and a herald?
2. Why are females portrayed as shapeshifters more often than men?
3. Why are the anima and the animus becoming more evident in today’s society as opposed to the past?
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