Archetypes What is a hero?

Definition of archetype: “arch” – original; “type” - model the original pattern or model from which all things of the same kind are copied or on which they are based; a model or first form; prototype. Example: Frankenstein , Dracula are both archetypes that have influenced subsequent horror stories – i.e. Freddy Krueger "archetype." Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1). Random House, Inc. 23 Aug. 2008. <Dictionary.com http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/archetype>.

3 Different Practical Archetypes Situation Archetype Character Archetype Symbolic Archetype

Situation Archetypes The Quest The Journey The Task The Initiation The Fall Death and Rebirth The Battle between Good & Evil

The Journey Example: The Odyssey, The Canterbury Tales, The Aeneid, The Fellowship of the Rings, The Lord of the Flies  The journey sends the hero in search for some truth or information necessary to restore goodness to the kingdom.   a.      The hero descends into a real or psychological hell b.      He is forced to discover or face the blackest truths about himself (usually). c.      He accepts responsibility for his faults and acknowledges his mistakes. d.      He returns to the world of the living.

The Task Examples: Hercules, The Sword and the Stone, The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, Beowulf. To save the kingdom, to win the fair lady, to identify himself so that he may resume his rightful position, the hero must perform some nearly superhuman deed.   This differs from the Quest in that in the Quest, the ultimate goal is to restore fertility; here the goal is to gain something (power, the girl, wealth, etc.) http://www.virginmedia.com/microsites/movies/slideshow/top-ten-movie-wizards/img_6.jpg

The Fall Examples: Adam and Eve, Lancelot and Guinevere, Milton’s Paradise Lost, many detective/cops stories. This archetype describes a descent from a higher state of being to a lower state of being.  The experience involves a defilement and/or a loss of innocence and bliss.  The fall is often accompanied by an expulsion from a kind of paradise as penalty for disobedience and moral transgression.   http://www.nashvillescholars.net/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/arthur

The Battle Between Good & Evil Examples: The forces of Sauron and those of Middle Earth in The Lord of the Rings, Satan vs. God in  Milton’s Paradise Lost, any western movie or novel, most cartoons, The book of Revelation. Obviously, the battle between two primal forces.  Mankind shows eternal optimism in the continual portrayal of good triumphing over evil despite great odds. http://rangersin08.files.wordpress.com/2008/01/sauron1.jpg http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51BD7HCN0TL.jpg

Character Archetype The Hero The Initiates Mentors Father-Son Conflict Loyal Retainers Devil Figure Creature of Nightmares Woman Figure

Symbolic Archetype Light vs darkness Water vs desert Heaven vs Hell