Archetypes and the Hero’s Journey

Joseph Campbell Wrote The Hero with a Thousand Faces Discovered that all story-telling follows the ancient patterns of the hero myth Explained the Archetypes and the steps of the Hero’s Journey

The Hero Myth Stories built on the hero myth appeal to everyone because they reflect what it’s like to be human. The repeating characters and situations have elements of truth no matter how unbelievable the plot.

The Hero Myth You will find elements of the Hero Myth in old stories like the Greek and Roman myths to newer stories like Spider-man and Finding Nemo.

Archetypes Archetype 1. An original pattern or model; prototype 2. A perfect example of a type or group are recurring patterns of human behavior, symbolized by standard types of characters in movies and stories.

Archetypes HERO Represents us and our journey through life Central figures in stories.  Everyone is the hero of his or her own myth.

Archetypes MENTOR Teaches or trains the hero Has more experience than the hero Provides knowledge Often gives the hero a gift (tangible or intangible) The hero’s guide or guiding principles.  Yoda, Merlin, a great coach or teacher.

Archetypes SHADOW Represents dark forces and negativity; is often the villain Usually does not want the hero to succeed Villains and enemies, perhaps the enemy within.  The dark side of the Force, the repressed possibilities of the hero, his or her potential for evil.  Can be other kinds of repression, such as repressed grief, anger, frustration or creativity that is dangerous if it doesn’t have an outlet.

Archetypes THRESHOLD GUARDIANS Lesser villains or antagonists; may be turned into allies Sometimes these characters test the hero making sure the hero is ready for the journey The forces that stand in the way at important turning points, including jealous enemies, professional gatekeepers, or your own fears and doubts.

Archetypes SHAPESHIFTER Changes appearance or mood; difficult for the hero to figure out

Archetypes HERALD Provides motivation; offers the hero a challenge; gets the story rolling One who brings the Call to Adventure.  Could be a person or an event. Think of it as the REASON or MOTIVATION for the journey

Archetypes TRICKSTER Represents a need for change; provides humor and comic relief