Archetypes The Heros Journey What is an Archetype

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…)

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

Return with a Gift Call to Adventure Atonement Hero’s Journey The Tests Revelation Transformation Crossing the Threshold The Abyss

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.

Return with a Gift Call to Adventure Atonement Hero’s Journey The Tests Revelation Transformation Crossing the Threshold The Abyss

“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