Vogler, Christopher. “Crossing the First Threshold- Tests, Allies, Enemies.” The Writer'sJourney: Mythic Structure for Writers. Third. Studio City, CA: Michael WieseProductions, 2007.
Summary
Crossing the First Threshold is at the end of part 1 of the story. The first threshold is compared to the when a plane's wheels take off to get the journey started. The hero is committing fully to the adventure, and there is no turning back after the threshold. Some thresholds are externally imposed such as in North by Northwest, or they can be internal events such as in Ordinary People. Not only are they just external or internal, the events leading to the crossing of the first threshold could be a combination of both. The hero also reaches a threshold guardian who occupies the entrance of the threshold as a test.
After passing the first threshold and heading into the Special World there must be a contrast between the Ordinary World and the Special World. There has to be a "different feel, a different rythm, different prioties and values, and different rules." Then the hero runs into tests. These tests are meant to prepare the hero. Along with tests, allies and enemies are introduced. The allies will help with advice along the journey. Many allies are sidekicks to the hero, and they normally give the story a humorous side as the hero stays serious in the adventure. Then, enemies happen through a chain of events and are usually underlings of the villain. Enemies can also perform functions of other archetypes.
Reaction
To me, crossing the first threshold takes a will within the hero to want to move forward out of the ordinary world. He has to be able to get through his first test, which he may not be in control of such as a loss to a family member. The threshold guardian could have forced the threshold upon the hero, or he could be waiting for the hero. Each test after the threshold involves an enemy. These tests build the character and makes him grow. Allies are found between the tests as well as during. They help guide the hero.
Questions
1. Is there an instance in a movie where an ally or sidekick shapeshifts into the enemy?
2. Is there a certain number of tests that make for a good story?
3. How do we know when the hero is ready and has begun to face the villian and not his underlings?
2 comments:
1. Is there an instance in a movie where an ally or sidekick shapeshifts into the enemy?
In the lord of the rings movie (the first one) that creepy lil elf thing that "helps" Frodo and his freinds along the way, acting as an ally, shapeshifts into an villian trying to steal the ring for himself and destroy Frodo.
1. Is there an instance in a movie where an ally or sidekick shapeshifts into the enemy?
in the league of extraordinary gentlemen dorian grey goes from ally to right hand man of their enemy.
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