The Epic Hero + Archetypes British Literature

Characteristics of an Epic The hero is of noble birth or high position The hero’s reflects the ideals of society The hero performs courageous deeds The hero’s actions determine the fate of many The setting is vast. Takes place over time and space. Written in formal diction with a serious tone Characters make long, formal speeches Some form of the hero’s journey takes place Poem reflects timeless values (courage, etc) Treats universal themes (good vs. evil, etc.) Supernatural powers involved.

Separation – a break away from local social order, the beginning of a quest. Initiation – a long deep retreat inward with a series of chaotic encounters which provide new insight. Return – reintegration into society, coming back as a more evolved person. Phases of the Hero’s Journey

Identify a hero or heroine from a film or story and explain how their journey fits the three phases – be sure to give examples.

A test (Does the hero have what it takes?) A main antagonist (Often supernatural) A magical/unreal world (Unable to be visited by a normal human, but the hero visits anyways (e.g. the underworld or the world of the gods) A resurrection (Either from being dead or from a dead-like state of mind. Hero was thought to be lost and is rediscovered) Basics Elements of Heroic Cycle

Archetype A recurrent pattern, character type, theme or image which is identifiable in a wide variety of works of literature.

General Terms An archetype is a recurring symbol, theme, character, or setting. It's something that's appeared in literature so often that it is very recognizable. – Example of an archetypical theme: “Love conquers all." – Example of an archetypical plot structure: The love triangle.

Character Archetypes Many different character archetypes throughout literature. Any time you can compare some heroic or evil character to another you are dealing with archetypes on some level.

The Hero Often participate in the classic hero journey. – “The main character leaves his or her community to go on an adventure, performing deeds that bring honor to the community” (Herz and Gallo 121). Examples: – D’artagnan from the three musketeers – Simba from the Lion King – Hobbits in Lord of the Rings

Mother Figure Surrogate Mother. Comforts and directs child, especially when he or she is confused and needs guidance. Fairy tales characters such as the stepmother in Cinderella, fairy godmothers, Mother Goose, Little Red Riding Hood, Briar Rose, Pocahontas Literature: Galadriel from Lord of the Rings, Glinda from the Wizard of Oz, Dante’s Beatrice.

The Great Teacher/Mentor Wise elder – Protects or helps main character when he or she faces challenges. Sometimes they work as role models and often serve as father or mother figure. They teach by example the skills necessary to survive the journey and quest. Examples – Obi Wan Kenobi – Rafiki

The Innocent Child or inexperienced adult Their greatest strength is their trust and optimism. Their positivity endears them to others. Their main danger is that they may be blind to their obvious weaknesses or deny them. They also may become dependent on others to fulfill their heroic task. Frodo – Lord of the Rings

The Sacrificial Redeemer “The protagonist is willing to die for his or her beliefs; the main character maintains a strong sense of morality” (Herz and Gallo 123). Often features some aspect of higher power. On a mission to save others/humanity. – Jesus Christ – Simon from Lord of the Flies

Scapegoat/Sacrificial Victim The one who gets blamed for everything, regardless of whether he or she is at fault. – Snowball from George Orwell’s Animal Farm – Hassan from The Kite Runner

Enchantress/Temptress Characterized by beauty, this is usually a woman whom the protagonist is physically attracted and who ultimately brings about his downfall. May appear as a witch or other mystical character. – The Sirens in Mythology – Mystique from X-Men – Elektra King from James Bond The World is Not Enough

Villain The Antagonist The Bad Guy Examples: – Cruella DeVille – The Big Bad Wolf

Trickster A trickster is a god, goddess, spirit, man, woman, or anthropomorphic animal who plays tricks or otherwise disobeys normal rules and conventional behavior. – Loki – Coyote

Evil Incarnate The Devil or Serpent This character represents evil itself. He or she may offer worldly goods, fame, or knowledge to the protagonist in exchange for possession of the soul or integrity. This figure’s main aim is to oppose the hero in his or her quest. – Voldemort – Sauron – Dracula

Archetypical Settings Forest Caves and tunnels The Mountaintop The River The Sea Islands

Archtype Events Journey – The protagonist takes a journey, usually physical but sometimes emotional, during which he or she learns something about himself or herself or finds meaning in his or her life as well as acceptance in a community – Linear – Circular – Quests Quest for material wealth Quest for security, as a secure place to live Quest for kin Quest for global good, such as when a kingdom is threatened Quest for self, for self-identity or self-assurance

Rite of Initiation/Passage This is the process by which a character grows into a new sphere of influence, usually into adulthood.

Parental/Relational Conflict The protagonist overcomes parental conflict or abandonment by bonding with others or pursuing some greater good.

Sleep/Dreams Person is somehow renewed or enlightened through sleep/dreams. New information is obtained or psychological truth is revealed.

The Test/Trial Faced with a seemingly insurmountable struggle, the protagonist must overcome to show his or her quality.

Birth/Death and Rebirth Through pain and suffering the protagonist overcomes feelings of despair. Then, either physically or through some level of self-realization, the hero is “reborn” into something greater.

The Fall: Expulsion from Eden The main character is expelled from the place he/she wants to be due to a mistake or grave sin.