Name________________________ Heroic Archetypes / College Level There are 12 major archetypes concerning the hero and the heroic quest. Fill in this chart with examples from literature/entertainment industry that will help you understand each of the 12 archetypes. Heroes are often of obscure/ mysterious origins. *concerning their conception, birth, and/or up-bringing* Heroes are neither fools nor invincible. *must be great, but also must have a flaw/weakness that reminds us they’re human* The hero’s way is not always direct or clear to him/her. *confused about how they are supposed to attain their goal(s)* The hero has a goal or goals. *either given to them like an assignment or their own idea* 5. The hero’s way is beset with dangers, loneliness, and temptation. *these need to be dangers that ordinary people probably couldn’t do—as well, as fast, or at all* In many versions of the quest tale, the hero is accompanied by friends, servants, or disciples. *helpers are common, but the final task is usually one only for the hero*

The hero has a guide or guides. *These are usually characters of great wisdom…tell the hero some things, but they often leave things out…riddles* 8. The hero descends into darkness, literally and/or figuratively. *literally—into a dark place *figuratively—darkest time of their life.* 9. The hero is not the same after they emerge from the darkness. *change is sometimes positive, but sometimes negative* 10. What the hero seeks is symbolic of what is actually found. *free example: The Holy Grail in Arthurian legend represented spiritual salvation…much more than just a cup* 11. The hero suffers a wound *These wounds can be physical, spiritual, emotional, or psychological---sometimes some of each kind* 12. In mythologies around the world, heroes tend to be male; however, women usually represent wisdom for the hero. *free example: In Greek mythology, Athena is the goddess of wisdom who helped Perseus.*