Archetypes

1. Archetypes Literature’s Blueprints

2. What is an archetype? • First applied by Carl Jung, it is a universal pattern that crosses cultures and mythologies • Part of the human collective consciousness • Helps us understand patterns

3. What can be an archetype?

4. Where will we find archetypes?

5. Major types of archetypes • Situations • Characters • Journeys • Symbols/Motifs

6. Situational Archetypes

7. The Quest – describes the search of someone or something (a talisman or sacred object) that will restore happiness and peace to the land • Ex. Mumble’s search for the stealer of the fish

8. The Task – the almost superhuman feat(s) that must be accomplished in order to reach the goal • Ex. Mulan’s becoming a man in order to save her father’s honor

9. The Journey – the hero is sent in search of information needed to restore fertility, justice, and/or harmony to the land. • It includes trials and problems along the way, usually including a visit to hell or an underworldly region • Ex. Frodo’s journey to return the Ring to Sauron’s mountain

10. The Initiation – A moment (either physical or psychological) where an individual comes into maturity • The hero gains awareness of his responsibilities and place in the world • The hero also receives a calling that he/she may deny before accepting their responsibilities • Ex. Simba’s refusal to return to Pride Rock and his visit from Rafikki

11. The Ritual – An organized ceremony that involves members of the community and the initiate (hero) • This situation officially brings the young person into the adult world • Ex. Mulan’s visit with the matchmaker

12. The Fall – A decent in action from a higher to a lower state of being • Usually involves defilement, moral imperfection, and/or loss of innocence • The fall is often accompanied by expulsion from a paradise as penalty for disobedience • Ex. Adam and Eve’s expulsion from Eden after eating the apple

13. Death and Rebirth – this is the most common situational archetype • It refers to situations when someone or something (concrete or metaphysical) dies, but is accompanied by a sign of birth or rebirth • Ex. The death of Scar and the birth of Simba’s son

14. Nature vs. Machines – basically, this refers to situations where nature (like man) is good and the forces of technology are bad • Ex. Neo and the Machines in The Matrix

15. The Battle Between Good and Evil – this situation pits forces that are obviously good against those that are obviously evil • The implication is that good will triumph over evil • Ex. Mulan and friends versus the Huns

16. The Unhealable Wound – a wound (physical or psychological) that can never fully heal • This wound represents a loss of purity or innocence • The wound can sometimes drive the sufferer to madness • Ex. Frodo’s cut from the Rider, and his increasing dependence on the Ring

17. The Magic Weapon – a piece of technology used by a hero • It is used to combat evil, continue a journey, or prove his/her identity as a chosen one • The individual must be skilled or have innate ability to wield the weapon • Ex. When Arthur pulls Excalibur from the stone (The Sword and the Stone)

18. Father-Son Conflict – this situation involves tension that results from separation during childhood or from an outside source if the individuals meet as men • The mentor in the young person’s life has a place of importance over the parent • Sometimes this conflict is resolved during atonement • Ex. Hercules’ separation from his parents and his dependence on Phil for assistance

19. Innate Wisdom vs. Educated Stupidity – some characters exhibit wisdom and understanding intuitively (without being taught) as opposed to those who are “educated” and in charge • Ex. Kusco and Pacha

20. Character Archetypes

21. The Hero – usually the protagonist whose life is a series of adventures • His/Her birth is unusual, and he is raised by a guardian • He has to leave his kingdom and can return when he is a man/woman • Characteristics: • Courage • Strength • Honor • Enduring hardships • Risking his life for the greater good • Ex. Simba

22. Young Man from the provinces – the hero returns to his home and heritage as a stranger • He/she can see new problems and new solutions • Ex. Luke Skywalker

23. The Initiates – young heroes or heroines who must go through some training and ceremony before undertaking their quest • Ex. Mulan’s training camp

24. The Mentor – an older, wiser teacher to the initiate • He/she gives the hero gifts: weapons, food, magic, information • Serves as a role model or the hero’s conscience • Ex. Yoda 

25. Mentor/Pupil Relationship – the Mentor teaches the hero the necessary skills for surviving the quest • Ex. Morpheus teaching Neo how to navigate the Matrix

26. Group of Companions – those who are loyal to the hero and willing to face hardship and ordeal in order to stay together • Ex. The Fellowship

27. Friendly Beast – an animal companion that shows that nature is on the side of the hero • The mice and birds in Cinderella

28. The Shadow – a worthy opponent who the hero must struggle against in a fight to the end • It must be destroyed or neutralized • Psychologically can represent the darker side of the hero’s psyche • Ex. Neo’s struggle against Mr. Smith

29. The Devil Figure – this character is evil incarnate • Hades in Hercules

30. The Creature of Nightmare – a monster usually summoned from the deepest, darkest part of the human psyche to threaten the lives of the hero/heroine • Often it is a perversion or desecration of the human body • Ex. The Balrog in Lord of the Rings

31. The Outcast – a character banished from a social group for some real or imagined crime against his fellow man • Usually destined to wander from place to place • Ex. Golem in Lord of the Rings

32. The Platonic Ideal – a woman who is a source of inspiration to the hero, who has an intellectual rather than physical attration to her

33. Damsel in Distress – a vulnerable woman who needs to be rescued by the hero • She is often used as a trap to ensnare the unsuspecting hero • Ex. Fiona in Shrek

34. The Earth Mother – this character traditionally offers spiritual and emotional nourishment to those with whom she comes in contact • Symbolic of fruition, abundance, and fertility • Ex. Grandmother Willow in Pocahontas

35. The Temptress or Black Goddess – characterized by sensuous beauty • This woman is one to who the protagonist (hero) is physically attracted and who ultimately brings about his downfall • She may also appear as a witch or vampire • Ex. Ursula in The Little Mermaid

36. The White Goddess – good, beautiful maiden, usually blonde • She may make an ideal marriage partner • She often has religious or intellectual overtones • Ex. Glinda the Good Witch

37. The Unfaithful Spouse – a man or woman married to someone they see as dull or distant and is attracted to a more virile or interesting person • Ex.

38. Star-Crossed Lovers – two characters engaged in a love affair fated to end tragically for one or both due to the disapproval of society, friends, family, or some tragic situation • Ex. Romeo and Juliet