Archetypes

IntroductionResearchers have been able to collect and

compare myths, legends, and religions of cultures from all around the world.

They discovered that for centuries, people who had NO contact with each other had passed down stories through generations that were similar to the stories of other cultures.

The basic elements of these stories are called ARCHETYPES.

What is an archetype?

A character, action, or situation that is a prototype (or pattern) of human life

A situation that occurs over and over again in literature. Some examples are:Quest InitiationAttempt to overcome evil

Heroic Character ArchetypesOrphan

Martyr

Wanderer

Warrior

Magician

Scapegoat

Orphanfearing exploitation, seeks to

regain the comfort of the womb

To fulfill their quest they must go through the agonies of the developmental stages they have missed

Their strength is the interdependence and pragmatic realism that they had to learn at an early age. A hazard is that they will fall into the “victim mentality”

MartyrFirst offers self-sacrifice in the

name of a greater cause or the safety of significant others.

Greatest fear is selfishness or callousness

Believes it is better to give than receive, and more virtuous to be poor than rich

May repress negative emotions so as not to hurt others

WandererFears conformity

Enjoys isolated activities

Deals with emotions on own

“I’ll do it myself” attitude

WarriorSeeks to win at

whatever confronts them

Fears weakness

Emotions are controlled or repressed so they don’t get in the way of achievement

Works hard for goal, and expects reward

MagicianThe Magician's quest is

not necessarily to 'do magic' but to transform or change something or someone in some way.

May be feared because of their power. They may also fear themselves and their potential to do harm.

Allows curiosity, learns in group or alone because it’s fun

ScapegoatA scapegoat is a

person or group made to bear the blame for others or to suffer in their place.

Examples include Jesus (Christianity) Aslan (The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe), and Gollum (The Lord of the Rings)