Christopher Vogler The Writers Journey
comedies. In many stories the loved one is the treasure the hero has come to win or
rescue, and there is often a love scene at this point to celebrate the victory.
From the hero's point of view, members of the opposite sex may appear to be
Shapeshifters, an archetype of change. T h e y seem to shift constantly in form or age,
reflecting the confusing and constantly changing aspects of the opposite sex. Tales of
vampires, werewolves and other shapechangers are symbolic echoes of this shifting
quality which men and women see in each other.
T h e hero's Ordeal may grant a better understanding of the opposite sex, an
ability to see beyond the shifting outer appearance, leading to a reconciliation.
T h e hero may also become more attractive as a result of having survived the
Ordeal. H e has earned the title of "hero" by having taken the supreme risk on behalf
of the community.
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