First Threshold, Tests, Allies and Enemies

In this section Vogler continues our journey by Crossing the First Threshold describing the tests given to the hero by allies or enemies. The force of the crossing can be external or internal. The archetype of the threshold guardians advance the story and character of the hero. Allies give aid to the hero through the crossing, while enemies may attempt to block the passage. These two archetypes are discovered in places such as the waterhole. An overlapping of archetypes is present in this step of the journey, as in many others.

External events and inner choices cause the hero to cross from the Ordinary World into the Special World through the First Threshold. Threshold Guardians are an archetype which train or test the hero by causing an obstacle or blocking the road. The hero's cross may happen immediately or it may be drawn out over a period of the story. Once in the New World, the hero faces tests and challenges by enemies preparing them for the journey ahead. With the help of a single sidekick or an entire team of allies, the hero relies on their aid. Different archetypes can fit the mold of the enemy such as the Trickster, Shadow, Threshold Guardian, and Herald. At the watering hole, such as a bar, the hero is able to make alliances and also encounter enemies.

A variety of threshold guardians can be found in the stories and clips we have experienced in class. In the Metamorphosis, the stakes are raised when Gregor realizes he is unable to go to work in his current state as a cockroach. The threshold guardian is the man who comes to call on Gregor, challenging him to come out of the room. It takes Gregor a while to cross the threshold as his awkward body (internal) disables him from opening the door with ease. He experienced tests, such as opening that door and movement of his body, which would later help him. His sister is his ally, giving him food and being couragous to enter the room.

Do allies ever turn against the hero?

Does the hero ever realize the ally is unhelpful such as they did with the mentor?

Using examples from class discussions and experiences, describe some thresholds.