1. Archetypes The Odyssey & The Heroes’ Journey

2. Archetypes Images, descriptive detail patterns, plot or character patterns that occur frequently in literature, folk lore, religion, and myth An archetype causes profound emotions because it touches the collective memories that all humans share

3. The History Behind the Theory Carl Jung: a Swiss Psychologist, contemporary of Sigmund Freud Believed in two aspects of the unconcious: 1)Personal Unconsciousness: suppressed events, values, and fears of one’s own life AND…

4. The History cont. 2) Archetypal Unconsciousness: Part of the Collective Unconscious: the inherited or taught ideas that persist as a memory in the unconscious mind of every individual. On the subconscious level, this produces initial attitudes and responses over which the individual has no conscious control According to Jung, behind each person’s subconscious (“the blocked, inactive memories of the past”) lay the Collective Unconscious of the entire human race. These “racial memories” are expressed in literary, historical, political, mythological, and religious decisions and events throughout time.

5. Cosmic Archteypes Season Myth: the passage of time, the pattern of life (both individually & universally), in an unending cycle. Basic Patterns of Creation Myth: A) Gender Images male images=sky, sun, rain, storm female images= earth, moon, sea Although “the sky” must almost always envelop “the earth” it is the female image that (almost always) brings forth life. In most cultures, men are established as the rulers over women.

6. Cosmic Archetypes cont. B) Birth>Death>Rebirth i. sunrise, sunset, and sunrise once again. Burying the dead is seen in some cultures as a “return to the Womb” or natural elements. “Ashes to ashes, dust to dust” is a well-known Christian funeral verse ii. Death but being reborn in the Afterlife and/or living on through one’s children

7. Cosmic Archetypes cont. C) Male deity unity with a mortal female Divinity is combinded with humanity, thus creating a hero, savior, and/or king. He/she most usually functions as an agent on Earth for the celestial gods. D) World-wide Flood Every know culture, that we know of, thriving or vanished, has a “flood story”---even arctic, mountainous, and desert cultures. E) Apocalypse European, Near Eastern, African, Asian, Pacific Rim, and Americans all have some version of the apocalypse.

8. Landscapes The Garden or Grove: fertility, protection, a “crossroads” The Tree: life, immortality, growth, knowledge, healing, etc. The Forest: either “good” or “evil” The Desert: nihilism, death, spiritual testing/renewal/depletion The Cave or Stone: good or evil, sacrifice, foundation, testing The City: Man’s creation of Good Mother or Femme Fatale

9. Character Archetypes The Hero Embodies the values of a society and gives them an example of proper behavior for that society A) Primitive Hero: usually a slayer of monsters or other ghastly menace. (Beowulf, Conan, Ripley from Alien, crew from Armageddon or Deep Impact)

10. Character Archetypes cont. Hero cont. B) Warrior Hero: fights for personal glory and/or a dying or doomed culture or causes (Achilles, Rambo, King Arthur, Hercules, Superman, Batman)

11. Character Archetypes cont. Hero cont. C) Metaphysical Hero: on a quest for enlightenment or an unusual, very spiritual journey. The conflict is against himself as he conquers selfish urges and undergoes great temptation (Jesus, Buddha)

12. Character Archetypes cont. Hero cont. Common Patterns of the Hero’s Life Born under unusual circumstances The son/daughter of a great king or deity Marked for greatness by a prophecy or physical trait Exiled or placed in harm’s way while young in an effort to kill or stop him/her Must prove his “royal” claim by test or trial Accomplishes great deeds for his/her people Often a mysterious or ambiguous death A suggestion or promise that the hero will someday return to reward or rescue the society, people, etc.

13. Character Archetypes cont. The Helper(s) The hero’s “sidekick.” Usually the helper has his own abilities but somehow lacks the necessary traits of being a hero himself.

14. Character Archetypes cont. The Mentor The “wise, old man” gives the hero wisdom and often has trained or helped the hero develop his abilities

15. Character Archetypes cont. The Femme Fatale The “deadly lady,” a temptress who seeks to destroy the hero or keep him from completing his mission. Often time she is truly attracted to the hero and he to her.

16. Character Archetypes cont. Earth Mother Opposite the Femme Fatale, she posseses all the positive aspects of life (protection, warmth, nurturing, sustenance.

17. Character Archetypes cont. Father Figure Represents (a) all that the hero is trying to attain or find in his search AND/OR possesses or is involved in a secret that can change the hero’s destiny

18. Character Archetypes cont. The Trickster Often a “helper” to the Hero although he or she may often cause problems or “mess things up.” However, the trickster does not want to truly hurt the hero.

19. Character Archetypes cont. The Nemesis The Hero’s “sworn enemy” who oftentimes is the reason for many of the Hero’s trials, adventures, and temptations. The Nemesis is a perfect adversary for the Hero, usually evenly matched in abilities yet opposite in temperament or values. Although the hero tries repeatedly, he can never seem to destroy his Nemesis; he merely banishes or imprisons him for a short time.