Archetypes and the Hero How archetypes fit in

Archetypes and the Hero How archetypes fit in our lives

Jung’s archetype definition �There are universal patterns in all stories and mythologies that are shared by all human beings regardless of cultural backgrounds. These patterns are shared on a collective unconsciousness- a type of universal primal memory.

Definitions of Archetypes �Unconscious images �Dream images of modern people correspond to sacred story images and myths of primitive people: “primordial images” or archetypes

Why Archetypes? �Form mythological images and motifs �Basic pattern of archetypes remains the same �Often revealed by powerful symbolic images �No known origin

Collective �A particular one is held in common by a social group �Jung- describes them as “complex web of patterns” �Both images and emotions �Defies a literal verbal description

Archetypes revealed and expressed in… �Image, theme, symbol, idea, character type, plot pattern �Myths, dreams, literature, religions, fantasies, folklore

Types of Heroic Archetypes �Warrior �Lover �Scapegoat �Transcendent �Romantic/gothic �Proto-feminist �Apocalyptic

Types (Continued) �Anti-hero �Unbalanced �Defiant Anti-Hero �The Other �The Super Heroic

Journey of the Hero �Quests- identity, find promised land, vengeance, save people, search of love, search for knowledge, selfdenial, fool’s errand, rid land of danger, grail quest

Stages of Journey �Departure �Initiation �Road of Trials �Innermost Cave �Return/Reintegration

Situational Archetypes �Quest, task, journey, initiation, ritual, fall, death/rebirth, battle of good/evil, unhealable wound

Character Archetypes �Initiates, mentor, threshold guardian, father-son conflict, hunting group, friendly beast, shadow, devil figure, evil figure with good heart, scapegoat, outcast, damsel in distress, earth mother, star-crossed lovers

Symbolic Archetypes �Light/Darkness �Fire/Ice �Water/Desert �Maze and whirlpool �Castle and tower �Colors and numbers

Stages of a Hero 1. THE HERO IS INTRODUCED IN HIS ORDINARY WORLD. 2. THE CALL TO ADVENTURE: The hero is presented with a problem, challenge, or adventure. 3. THE HERO IS RELUCTANT AT FIRST. 4. THE HERO IS ENCOURAGED BY THE WISE OLD MAN OR WOMAN.

Stages of a Hero (continued) 5. THE HERO PASSES THE FIRST THRESHOLD. 6. THE HERO ENCOUNTERS TESTS AND HELPERS. 7. THE HERO REACHES THE INNERMOST CAVE 8. THE HERO ENDURES THE SUPREME ORDEAL. 9. THE HERO SIEZES THE SWORD. 10. THE ROAD BACK.

Stages of a Hero (cont) 11. RESURRECTION. 12. RETURN WITH THE ELIXIR. ◦ Sometimes the “elixir” is treasure won on the quest, or love, or just the knowledge that the special world exists and can be survived. ◦ Sometimes it's just coming home with a good story to tell.