Archetypes in Mythology

What is an Archetype? Instinctive patterns in the collective unconscious of humankind. Figures or patterns that recur in works of art from generation to generation. Instinctive patterns in the collective unconscious of humankind. Figures or patterns that recur in works of art from generation to generation. –Archetypes can come in the form of stories, characters, and symbols –These symbols must be shared by different cultures to be archetypes. They must be UNIVERSAL.

What is a symbol? A symbol is an object that stands for something else. This can be an object, letter, etc. A symbol is an object that stands for something else. This can be an object, letter, etc. Symbols are specific to a culture. Symbols are specific to a culture.

What is a sign? A sign is a word or actual physical sign which represents one object. A sign is a word or actual physical sign which represents one object. –Initials: USA, NASA –Traffic signs –Trademarks: “Just do it” Signs are meaningless in Signs are meaningless in themselves; they gain themselves; they gain meaning through usage. meaning through usage.

Common Archetypal Plots

Cosmogony Explains the origin of humans, the world, or the universe Explains the origin of humans, the world, or the universe Brought into existence by some supernatural being(s) Brought into existence by some supernatural being(s) Often involves dirt, water, light, and language Often involves dirt, water, light, and language

Hero Cycle Revolves around a character who leaves home Revolves around a character who leaves home The hero is given aid, suffers trials, and triumphs in the end The hero is given aid, suffers trials, and triumphs in the end

Tragedy Revolves around a person of importance, not a commoner Revolves around a person of importance, not a commoner Horrible things happen to the main character and those s/he loves Horrible things happen to the main character and those s/he loves Everyone dies in the end Everyone dies in the end

Comedy Revolves around a normal or common person Revolves around a normal or common person Includes some form of mistaken identity Includes some form of mistaken identity Everyone gets married in the end Everyone gets married in the end

Archetypal Characters: Male

Hero Young, handsome, muscular Young, handsome, muscular Courageous, Strong (sometimes beyond normal men) Courageous, Strong (sometimes beyond normal men) Rebel or maverick Rebel or maverick Usually follows the hero cycle Usually follows the hero cycle

Wise Man Older than hero Older than hero Spiritual and moral Spiritual and moral Intelligent Intelligent Sometimes has special Sometimes has special powers powers

Fool Age varies Age varies Usually has a physical defect: fat, ugly, disabled, etc. Usually has a physical defect: fat, ugly, disabled, etc. Usually a sidekick Usually a sidekick Humorous and bumbling Humorous and bumbling Occasionally speaks the truth no one else will Occasionally speaks the truth no one else will

The Devil Usually offers a trade or exchange Usually offers a trade or exchange Manipulative and deceptive Manipulative and deceptive Often physically attractive and well dressed Often physically attractive and well dressed

The Villain Physical appearance varies Physical appearance varies Age varies Age varies Adversary for the hero and/or heroine Adversary for the hero and/or heroine

Archetypal Characters: Female

Mother A symbol of birth, life, and fertility A symbol of birth, life, and fertility Warmth, protection, nourishment Warmth, protection, nourishment Usually round with pronounced feminine features Usually round with pronounced feminine features

Crone/Witch Old, ugly Old, ugly Mysterious and Intelligent Mysterious and Intelligent Powerful Powerful Plotting or conniving Plotting or conniving

Maiden/Virgin Young, beautiful Young, beautiful Usually blonde Usually blonde Often helpless Often helpless Innocent Innocent Often is saved by hero Often is saved by hero

Temptress/Whore Older than maiden, younger than mother Older than maiden, younger than mother Beautiful, usually dark-haired Beautiful, usually dark-haired Sexual Sexual Deceptive and underhanded Deceptive and underhanded