The Archetypal Hero’s Quest What Do Luke Skywalker, Simba, King Arthur, Moses, and William Wallace all have in common?

Jung and Campbell n Carl Jung and Joseph Campbell developed the idea of the archetype –Archetype: A recurring pattern of images, situations, or symbols found in the mythology, religion, art, and dreams of cultures around the world Joseph Campbell Carl Jung

The Monomyth Definition: “the one story” The monomyth or archetypal heroic quest story, has remarkably the same structure from culture to culture. It seems as if the hero might wear different clothes but scratch the surface and they are the same and face the same kinds of challenges.

Archetypal Hero Traits n Unusual Circumstances of Birth n Leaves Family and Lives With Others n Traumatic Event Leads to Quest n Special Weapon n Supernatural Help n Proves Himself on Quest n Journey and Unhealable Wound n Atonement With Father n Spiritual Apotheosis

The Nature of the Quest Hero A mythic hero can be male or female This hero usually has a remarkable birth or childhood. He or she is often the offspring of a god or goddess and a human being, and so possesses qualities of both immortals and mortals.

Unusual Birth n Often in danger or born into royalty –Luke w/ aunt and uncle –Simba born a prince –Moses put in basket –King Arthur in danger from Uther Pendragon’s rivals

The Nature of the Quest Hero Heroes can be born under unusual circumstances. Sometimes they are unaware of their origins and are raised by foster parents. The hero often shows early signs of being special, possessing either superhuman strength or supernatural powers.

The Folk Tale Hero An ordinary person A stepchild A neglected youngest child Instead of using supernatural powers they are often exceptionally kind, clever, or resourceful.

Leaves Family n Raised away from his people –Luke w/ aunt and uncle –Simba w/ Timon and Poobah –King Arthur w/ Merlin –William Wallace with uncle –Moses w/ Pharaoh’s daughter

Both Mythic and Folktale Are called to participate in an adventure or forced to face a series of challenges or tests. They may initially refuse the challenge, but they suffer until they begin the adventure and overcome the obstacles place before them.

Traumatic Event n A hero’s life is changed forever –Luke’s aunt and uncle’s death –Wallace’s wife is killed –Arthur pulls sword from stone –Simba fights Nala –Yahweh appears to Moses

Hero’s Quest Quest: A journey taken in search of a person, object, or idea of great value. Possible goals: a beautiful princess; an abstract concept such as truth or the meaning of life; or a concrete object, such as treasure or a magical charm. A hero can also be searching for the truth about his or her parents or origins.

Hero’s Quest Supernatural aid: Often heroes are helped along the way by gods or goddesses. Mentors and Helpers: Heroes are often are aided by loyal friends and benefactors. This stage is referred to as Initiation because the hero learns what he needs to complete his journey.

Special Weapon n Only the hero can wield his weapon –Luke’s light saber –Arthur’s Excalibur –Moses’ staff –Wallace’s sword –Simba’s... claws?

Folktales Folktale heroes are helped by people, animals, or magical beings who are repaying them for good deeds done earlier.

Supernatural Help n Hero often has spiritual guidance –Luke hears Obi- Wan Kenobi –Arthur has Merlin –Yahweh guides Moses –Wallace dreams of his dead father –Simba sees Mufasa in the sky and has Rafiki help him

The Quest: Temptation The hero may be tempted to leave the quest by succumbing to temptation such as: A beautiful woman Lure of an easier lifestyle

Proves Himself n Hero performs feats while on Quest –Luke blows up Death Star, leads rebellion –Arthur leads battles –Moses perform miracles –Simba contemplates his life –Wallace leads his men against British

Hero and Flaws Sometimes the hero reveals a flaw like overwhelming pride (hubris) or impatience which can cause them to falter on the quest.

The Quest: The Abyss The quest may involve a descent into the underworld or another dark and frightening place such as an enchanted cave or forest. This is often referred to as the abyss where the hero is alone and must overcome the obstacles on his own.

Journey & Unhealable Wound n Hero descends into a hell-like area and suffers wounding from encounter w/ evil –Symbolically goes where normal humans can’t and finds truth about self

The Quest & The Return The hero may encounter situations that may require him to risk life in order to serve the needs of his or her culture. If the hero survives the journey into the abyss, he or she returns to society, often with something to share.

Atonement With Father n Hero either redeems father’s evil deeds or reconciles with father over wrongs done by the hero

Revelation: New knowledge A renewed commitment Greater compassion or wisdom The hero may be rewarded by entering into a royal marriage and living “happily ever after.”

Apotheosis n Hero is rewarded spiritually at the end of his life

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