Vogler 5

Vogler, Christopher. The Writer's Journey: Mythic Structure for Writers. 3rd ed. Studio City, CA: Michael Wiese Productions, 2007. 127-141.

Summary
In this section, Vogler discusses the Crossing the First Threshold and the Tests, Allies and Enemies portions of the hero's journey. In Crossing the First Threshold, the hero has gotten over their doubts and fears and has committed to their adventure. Vogler breaks this down into several parts. Approaching the first threshold is like the turning point in the story where the hero may take a risk and just throw themselves into their adventure. It is at this point a threshold guardian may show up. They are here to challenge the hero and train them. The hero must find a way to get past them to continue their journey. When the hero does finally cross, there is usuallya shift in the "energy"; things may get dramtically different. Sometimes this crossing takes a certain amount of courage from the hero, like a leap of faith. The landing may be "rough" or smooth.
Soon, the hero will begin to encounter their Tests, Allies, and Enemies. At this point there isa huge contrast between the hero's ordianary world and their new world. It is here too that the hero begins to be tested. These first tests are often diffcult, but they may not be as difficult as the ones ahead, which makes them tests. Allies and sidekicks are typically gained; allies are often helpful people who may not have been helpful in the beginning, but are a great assest to the hero now. Sidekicks are a little bit closer to the hero than the ally and often have a comical side to them. Allies may come in teams too. The enemies usually take the role of the Shadow or Trickster. The hero may also have a rival, which is like an enemy, but doesn't really wish to do the hero any specific harm. Finally, Vogler mentions that the change from the Ordinary World to the new World may involve new rules. Vogler also describes the watering hole as a place for change.

Reaction
Again, Vogler goes into great detail while describing his stages. There is not much difference with this section and the rest. His examples, again, helped to make his points. However, this time he also used metaphors, like "the Test stage of Act Two would be a series of pop quizzes, meant to sharpen the hero's skill in specific areas".

1. What tests or trails have you had in your life?
2. Do you find they closely relate to Vogler's stage?
3. Do you know of any hero's that have NO allies?