The Archetypal Hero

What Do Luke Skywalker, Simba, King Arthur, Moses, Wonder Woman, William Wallace, & Odysseus all have in common?

ANSWER: They are all Archetypal Heroes

What is an Archetype? And what does it have to do with Heroes?

The two gentlemen responsible for the concept of archetype … Carl Jung Joseph Campbell

A recurring pattern of images, situations, or symbols found in the mythology, religion, art, and dreams of cultures around the world. Archetype...

So what exactly characterizes an Archetypal Hero … … and how does it connect with the characters mentioned?

Traits of the Archetypal Hero Unusual Circumstances of Birth Leaves Family and Lives With Others Traumatic Event Leads to Quest Special Weapon Supernatural Help

Unusual Birth Often in danger or born into royalty…

Leaves Family Raised away from … …or separated from home

Traumatic Event The hero’s life is changed forever

Special Weapon Only the hero can wield it

Supernatural Help The hero often has spiritual guidance

Proves self on Quest Journey and Unhealable Wound Atonement With Father Spiritual Apotheosis More Heroic Traits…

Proves Him or Herself The hero performs heroic feats

Journey & Unhealable Wound Hero descends into a hell- like area and suffers wounding from an encounter with evil

Atonement With Father The hero either redeems father’s evil deeds or reconciles with father over wrongs done by the hero

Apotheosis Hero is rewarded spiritually at the end of his, or her life

YIKES! Not all of the characters discussed have all of the characteristics!

Good Observation! They don’t need to… As long as a character displays several of these characteristics, s/he may be considered a hero!

Can you think of any other Archetypal Heroes ?