Archetypes The characteristics and qualities that make up heroes and their journeys.
What is an archetype? A pattern or model (think typical or a type – plots, themes, symbols, characters, and journeys) Universal (they apply to all of us) Repeated throughout time period, culture, and geographic location
The Archetypal Hero 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, gets a beautiful girl, achieves great fame or title
Characteristics of the Hero (Con’t) 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: Departure – hero is called to adventure, although reluctantly Initiation – hero crosses into a new, more dangerous world Road of Trials – hero is given aid (sometimes supernatural), endures tests of strength and endurance. Innermost Cave – hero descends into a great place of trial and is reborn (changes internally) Return & Reintegration w/ Society – hero uses his new wisdom to restore fertility and order to the land.
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.
Archetypal Heroes
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, always be there, often cause problems for the hero Charmer – fun, irresistible, doesn’t commit to women easily Outcast/Lost Soul – 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.
Archetypal Symbols & Journeys Light/white=goodness •Darkness/black = evil Water = birth/rebirth •stars = 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
Match the Archetypal Characters Hero Damsel in Distress Mentor Group of Companions/ Best Friends Bad Boy Devil Figure
Creating an Archetypal Hero On a blank sheet of paper: The front = a picture of your hero (must be hand drawn) The back = a creative story of your archetypal hero, including a specific type of journey, all five stages, four characteristics of a hero, and three other archetypal characters. DUE THIS TUESDAY 9/1 Rubric to follow.
Journal: Your Quest MUST BE AT LEAST HALF A PAGE You are the hero in this story; describe a quest in your going through or a quest you’ve already experienced. Who are/were your loyal companions and those out to hold you back? Do/Did you have a tragic flaw? If so, what? What do/did you hope to learn/gain from your quest? Why do archetypal hero stories exist? We’ve discussed them in TV, Lost, movies, Star Wars and Harry Potter among others. Why do they happen to be so prevalent in all cultures? MUST BE AT LEAST HALF A PAGE