Annotative Bib. #3

Vogler, Christopher. “Threshold Guardian, Herald, Shapeshifter, Shadow, Ally, and Trickster, .” The Writer's Journey : Mythic Structure for Writers. 3rd ed. Studio City, CA: Michael Wiese Productions, 2007.

In the next chapter, Vogler talks all about threshold guardians. Threshold guardians are usually not the main villain of the story line. Threshold guardians can be one of several things, a villain’s assistant, a neutral figure, or a lesser thug. Threshold guardians can represent the Hero’s inner demon, and often are used to test the hero. One of the ways to defeat the threshold guardian is to “get into the skin” of them. After that, Vogler goes on to talk about Heralds. Herald figures can either announce the coming of a significant change, or issue challenges. Herald’s call for change and often times motivate the hero. Heralds can themselves be the villain; they can be good, or simply a neutral figure. Next, we read about shapeshifters. Most of the time, a shapeshifter is a romantic partner or in love with the hero. Shapeshifters are capable of changing the hero’s moods, as well as they are very misleading to the audience and the hero. Shapeshifters often are the ones who bring doubt and suspense into a story. The femme fatale is a female shapeshifter that is related to adultery. Following that, Vogler talks about the archetype of shadow. Shadow is anything representing dark energy. Our dark inner emotions often times are portrayed in shadow. Villains and enemies usually have many characteristics of a dark, gloomy shadow. Next Vogler teaches us about Ally’s. An ally is always a good thing to have. Allys always help the hero and lighten the mood. In many stories there are several allys. Lastly in book one Vogler talks about Tricksters. They add comic relief, they are very mischievous, and often times they help heroes come down to earth.

I agree with Vogler, I think threshold guardians can be either a positive or a negative thing. Sometimes they are there to help the villain, and other times they become a great help to the hero. I think a good example of a Herald would be Glenda, the good witch in The Wizard of Oz, she tells Dorthy that things will be different than she is used to in Oz on her quest to find the Wizard. Another example would be in Wayne’s World 2, when John Morrison tells Wayne “if you book them, they will come”. A good example of a shapeshifter in the Epic of Gilgamesh is Gilgamesh’s best buddy Enkidu. Enkidu helps Gilgamesh make some not so wise decisions.

1. In the movie The Wizard of Oz, who could be considered a threshold guardian?

2. In your opinion do you think a Herald is usually helpful, or hurtful?

3. Do villains and enemies that represent the shadow archetype always have to be considered such a negative thing, or can they sometimes be very helpful to the hero.