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Archetypes & The Hero’s Journey. What is an Archetype?. An archetype is an original model after which other similar things are patterned There are three basic types of archetypes: Situation (The Quest) Symbolic (Light vs. Dark) Character (the hero, the mentor, the temptress…).
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What is an Archetype? • An archetype is an original model after which other similar things are patterned • There are three basic types of archetypes: • Situation (The Quest) • Symbolic (Light vs. Dark) • Character (the hero, the mentor, the temptress…)
What is an Archetype? • Archetypes, like the hero’s journey, are some of the oldest stories told in the world. • These stories cross boundaries of time and culture. • They were a universal way to try to understand human beings’ place in the world: Why am I here? Why is there suffering? What is the meaning of life?
You know archetypes: • You are already familiar with archetypes if you know: • Star Wars • The Lord of the Rings • The Matrix • The Wizard of Oz • Pinocchio • The Odyssey
What is a Hero? • Many live a secluded childhood among humble people in a country setting • Must successfully pass through several stages in his quest to accomplish something for the greater good • Someone who has sacrificed himself for the greater good
Stage 1: Separation from the Comfortable • Step 1: Call to Adventure • Invites initiate to adventure • May be a sudden traumatic change • Initiate is often reluctant to begin journey
Stage 1: Separation from the Comfortable • Step 2: The Threshold of Adventure • When called to adventure, initiate must cross the threshold (“jumping off point”) • The gateway to the unknown • Encounter Guardians • people or situations that block passage • Serve to protect and point way • Encounter Helpers • Often bring talisman or wisdom • Mentors who guide throughout journey
Stage 2: The Initiation • Step 3: The Tests (Challenges & Ordeals) • Outward journey to a physical unknown • Inward journey to psychological unknown
Stage 2: The Initiation • Step 4: The Abyss (the ultimate test) • Lowest point for hero • Hero is often alone • Hero must battle greatest internal and external fear
Stage 2: The Initiation • Step 5: Transformation • As hero conquers the Abyss, his transformation is complete • Like the Phoenix, a part of the hero must die so that a new part can be reborn • Ex. Fear dies to make room for courage, ignorance for enlightenment, dependency for independenc…
Stage 2: The Initiation • Step 6: Revelation • Part of the Transformation is a Revelation: a sudden, dramatic change in the way the hero thinks or views life. • This change makes him truly a different person
Stage 2: The Initiation • Step 7: Atonement • After the Transformation, the hero achieves Atonement that his is “at one” with his new self. • The hero has incorporated the changes caused by the journey and is reborn.
Stage 3: The Return to Everyday Life • Step 8: Return with a Gift • Final stage of the journey • Upon return, the hero returns to his people with a gift (ex. Protection, enlightenment, etc.) • His people have benefited, but he will forever be changed • Many times, the hero is warmly received by his community, but he a forlorn, somber view of the world.
“By the Waters of Babylon”Hero’s Map Assignment • In small groups, you will use your knowledge of setting and archetypes to make a hero’s map that reflects the short story. Requirements: • Detailed, accurate illustration • Physical setting (ex. Rivers, trees, label area names) • Cultural setting (ex. Forbidden boundaries) • Track John’s travels • Label and briefly explain John’s stages in his hero’s journey
