Archetypes The characteristics and qualities that make up heroes and their journeys.

What is an archetype?  Archetypes are …  A pattern or model (think typical or a type)  Universal (they apply to all of us)  Repeated throughout culture, often slightly altered for the present day.

The Archetypal Hero  Author’s Note: There are exceptions to all of these; however, these seem to occur most often.  Characteristics:  Has an unusual birth; often an attempt is made on his life  Leaves or is forced to leave home and is raised by foster parents  Knows little about childhood until grown  Achieves a victory over a great foe, marries a beautiful girl, achieves great fame or title

Characteristics of the Hero (Con’t)  Author’s Note: Not all heroes fit these traits, but these occur most often.  Hero is naïve and inexperienced  Hero meets monsters or strange beings  Hero often travels across water  Hero struggles for something valuable/important  Hero has a loyal band of companions  Hero engages in tests or contests of strength (physical or mental)  Hero makes a stirring speech to his or her companions

The Journey All heroes go on a journey; here are the stages of their journey. 1)Departure – hero is called to adventure, although reluctantly 2)Initiation – hero crosses into a new, more dangerous world (crossing the threshold) 3)Road of Trials – hero is given aid (sometimes supernatural, mentors, and/or companions), endures tests of strength and endurance. 4)Innermost Cave – hero descends into a great place of trial and is reborn (changes internally) 5)Return & Reintegration w/ Society – hero uses his new wisdom to restore fertility and order to the land.

Archetypal Heroes

Types of Heroes  Hero as Scapegoat (Martyr) – Hero suffers for the sake of others  Transcendent Hero – hero whose fatal flaw brings about his/her down- fall but not w/o receiving some wisdom.  Anti-hero – a main character that lacks heroic qualities.  Epic Hero – a hero of great national importance, is heroic in battle, and has help from the gods.

Other Archetypal Characters  Damsel in Distress – vulnerable woman who must be rescued  Mentor/Professor – teaches by example; logical, introverted, likes the facts  Bad Boy – dangerous, wild-side, rebel, crushed idealist  Warrior – acts with honor, noble, protector  Best Friends/Group of Companions – safe, responsible, always be there  Charmer – fun, irresistible, doesn’t commit to women easily  Outcast – sensitive soul, secretive, vulnerable  Temptress – tempts the hero with her beauty but ultimately brings about his downfall  Devil Figure – offers good, fame, or knowledge in exchange for something much greater.

Match the Archetypal Characters Hero Mentor Damsel in Distress Group of Companions/ Best Friends Bad Boy Devil Figure

Archetypal Symbols & Journeys  Symbols  Light=goodnessDarkness = evil  Water = birth/rebirthstars = good fortune/hope  Journeys/Types of Quests  Quest for identity  Quest for vengeance  Quest for love  Quest to rid the land of danger  Quest for knowledge

Journal: Your Quest  Describe a quest/journey you are on in your life (something you want to do before you die).  Who is there to help you out and who are those out to hold you back?  Do you have a tragic flaw (a characteristic that could be your downfall)? If so, what?  MUST BE AT LEAST HALF A PAGE