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
Crossing the Threshold Call to Adventure Crossing the Threshold The Tests The Abyss Transform-ation Revelation Atonement Return with a Gift Hero’s Journey
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.
Crossing the Threshold Call to Adventure Crossing the Threshold The Tests The Abyss Transform-ation Revelation Atonement Return with a Gift Hero’s Journey
“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