Archetypes

Basic patterns of human belief and behavior Played out over and over in individuals and societies Hard-wired into the human brain Exist in every culture

Archetypes Multi-valiant – Their meanings and values have variations from person to person, society to society, age to age. Yet, their basic meanings always reveal a certain truth about man and society.

Symbols An object that stands for something else, generally an intangible ideal or abstract concept

Symbols Require prior learning in order to be fully processed

Symbols Archetypes are always symbols, but not all symbols are archetypes!

Traits of a Hero The hero has mysterious origins.

Traits of a Hero The hero is vulnerable; he can be wounded.

Traits of a Hero The hero dreads his quest but goes anyway. The hero’s path is dangerous and confusing.

Traits of a Hero The hero is often solitary. His companions don’t share his sense/level of purpose

Traits of a Hero He has a mentor/guide and companions. These people may be able to help him, but they cannot do the task/quest for him.

Traits of a Hero The hero descends into darkness/death; he meets the enemy, essentially dying, and experiences a rebirth.

Traits of a Hero The hero returns, changed/wounded/s carred, with a new message/purpose for the community.

Traits of a Hero He is willing to risk his life for the good of the community.

Traits of a Hero He has great strength and/or courage. He is known for his honorable purpose and willingness to risk his life for the good of the community.

Purpose of the Hero To serve as a role model To save civilization

Hero’s Journey The journey begins in the ordinary world. We have a sense of the place where the hero starts and of his character and background.

Hero’s Journey The hero receives a call to adventure. – The hero fears to answer the call or may refuse the call initially, but he will end up going.

The Hero’s Journey The hero meets his mentor/guide/teacher.

The Hero’s Journey The hero crosses the first threshold, stepping into the unknown world.

The Hero’s Journey The hero experiences his first test. He meets both allies and enemies.

The Hero’s Journey The hero enters the inmost cave, the source of the item he seeks.

The Hero’s Journey The hero meets the supreme ordeal, the biggest challenge. Death and rebirth are almost experienced.

The Hero’s Journey The hero seizes the talisman, sword, grail, or object of his quest.

The Hero’s Journey The hero experiences a resurrection or transformation as he is tested one last time. The hero embarks on the road back.

The Hero’s Journey The hero returns home with some benefit of the journey. He shares it with the land and renews society.

Additional Archetypes

Human Archetypes Mentor: the wizard/teacher/counselor who guides the hero. He usually serves as both role model and father figure. He helps the hero, but he won’t do the job/task/quest.

Human Archetypes Hunting Companions – The loyal friends – Willing to risk or face any number of perils in order to accompany the hero

Human Archetypes Outcast – The figure who has been banished from society, usually because of a crime. – The outcast often serves as a foil/opposite to the hero, throwing light onto the hero and his character. – The outcast has failed the test which the hero passes. – The outcast often wanders, unable to rest, because of his crime.

Nature Archetypes Mountain – Ascent to a place of knowledge, enlightenment, truth – The insurmountable obstacle

Nature Archetypes Home – The conscious mind – Stability and safety – Stagnation and lack of growth – Society as it exists, which the hero feels is worthy of being saved

Nature Archetypes Sunrise – Beginning; birth; enlightenment

Nature Archetypes The sun Sacrifice Power Energy Purification Burning Associated with the sun and male

Contrasts Light vs. Darkness – Light represents hope, renewal, knowledge, goodness, the conscious mind. – Darkness represents evil, unknown, ignorance, despair, unconscious mind

Color Archetypes Colors: – Gold: the sun; rational thought; life; fire; the conscious mind; masculinity

Color Archetypes Black – Complexity – Mystery – Unconscious – Death – The unknown – Knowledge – Night – Evil

Special Weapon Only the hero can wield his weapon – Luke’s light saber – Arthur’s Excalibur – Moses’ staff – Wallace’s sword – Neo’s power over the matrix