Vogler- A Practical Guide

Vogler
A Practical Guide

In this section, Vogler introduces us to the pattern displayed throughout every story based on Joseph Campbell’s, A Hero’s Journey. By breaking down common story plots, we are able to identify each step along the way. Beginning in their Ordinary World, one receives a Call to Adventure. First, out of fear, the person Refuses the Call but someone or something such as a Mentor pushes the person to act. Once Crossing the First Threshold, Tests, Allies and Enemies shape the character allowing them to Approach the Inmost Cave, whether it be concrete place or a place within oneself. In this place, the person faces an issue or Ordeal which leads them to their Reward. After accomplishing the goal, one follows the Road Back to return and must be Resurrected into the Ordinary World. The completion of the journey includes the Elixir which plays a positive role personally or socially.

Cultures around the world create myths which reflect their own uniqueness. Campbell realized that although the details were different, the underlying pattern of each story was similar. A Hero’s Journey outlines the form each story follows, explaining each step necessary. This universal guide can be applied to resolve any issue, simple or complex. The presence of similar characters throughout various myths leads one to believe that we create these forms unconsciously. One example, the mentor or friend, can be seen in almost every story which builds emotion in the main character.

Although no one understood when we were younger, our childhood heroes followed the Journey. Not only were we attracted to them because of their exciting adventures, but also their similar qualities. Although we see distinct differences between Care Bears and the Ninja Turtles, both portray courage, teamwork, friendship, etc. These characters were constructed to appeal to a wide range of viewers. We placed ourselves into their shoes, allowing us to experience our own personal journey. As college students, we can become more successful by implementing A Hero’s Journey to our lives. As we begin this new journey as writers, we too can follow the form to launch our journey and even improve it.

Imagine a few of your favorite movies. Can you identify the Elixir? Could you categorize the Elixir? (A material object, an emotion, a moral, a person)

As an Eckerd student, would you be able to use A Hero’s Journey to your advantage in a specific class?

Could you compare one of your own cultural myths to another culture? What similarities do you see?