Concluding with Archetypes As mentioned previously, myths are understood as archetypes for more modern stories. In other words, when a modern story or its characters follows the same patterns found in an earlier story, such as a myth. One such myth is of Narcissus. How does Snow White follow the Narcissus archetype? Can you think of any other stories, television shows, or movies, that follow this archetype as well (the theme of narcissism)? Post your ideas on the comment box of this post.

Another archetypal character, is Samson, from the Samson and Deliah biblical tale. Samson's strength came from his hair, but once he was betrayed and his hair was cut off, he lost his strength. Think of a story or movie that has a character that follows the Samson archetype (a character's strength is lost when something they have is lost). Also comment your answer on the comment box of this date's post.

Archetypal Characters Not only can archetypes involve plot structures such as the circle and the monomyth, it can also involve characters. Two types of these characters are the benevolent guide and the trickster.

The Benevolent Guide The benevolent guide can take many forms, usually being older in age that the hero. This guide helps the hero in their quest, through intervention of some kind. Some characters that have served as guides, in popular movies, include: - the fairy godmother in Cinderella - Glinda in The Wizard of Oz - Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings

The guide is the person that helps the hero/heroine achieve an epiphany that they may experience. What other guides can you think of, that you have seen in movies? ON YOUR BLOG, make a new post where you list 5 benevolent guides that you know of, and explain exactly what makes them a benevolent guide.

The Trickster Many myths and legends around the world use the trickster archetype. The trickster has the following characteristics: - is usually male - in many stories, appears as an animal - is able to change their shape from human to animal, or vice versa - is foolish yet wise at the same time - is able to assist or improve society through antics The trickster is a representation of the human condition, where the trickster has the constant urge indulge in all his desires. The trickster also has a dark side.

Aboriginal Legends The trickster character is commonly found in aboriginal legends/creation myths, in the form of an animal. Such animals include a raven coyote, blue jay, hare, spider, and so on. The trickster character is also viewed as a “creator”. A popular Haida creation story includes the raven character. Please read the following story, and on your blog, describe how the raven character follows the trickster archetype. Give examples to support your explanations. art.com/NorthwestArt/WebPages/StoriesRavenStealstheLight.htm

Next Steps of Action Now, read the following Aboriginal myth, in this story, the trickster character is a fox. texts.com/etc/bnm/bnm22.htm Afterwards, make a comparison between the two characters. Explain their similarities and differences.

Another Story Now, read the following story. Afterwards, make a new post and answer the following questions: 1. In a few sentences, describe the stranger that Nanabush met 2. Explain how the The Juggler was able to get a hold of Nanabush's eyes. 3. Explain how Nanabush was able to get his sight back. Include a reference to his epiphany

4. The story explains two natural phenomena. What are they and how did they come to be? 5. What lessons or morals can you learn from the story? 6. Can the Juggler fit into the trickster archetype? Explain why or why not. 7. List as many examples as possible, where you have seen the trickster archetype in movies.