The Hero’s Journey and Archetypes The characteristics that make up heroes, their journeys, and the characters surrounding the hero.

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 Raised by “foster” parents or other parental figure 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. Departure – hero is called to adventure, although reluctantly Initiation – hero crosses into a new, more dangerous world (crossing the threshold) Road of Trials – hero is given aid (sometimes supernatural, mentors, and/or companions), endures tests of strength and endurance. Innermost Cave – hero descends into a great place of trial/crisis and is “reborn” (changes internally and gains knowledge) Return & Reintegration w/ Society – hero uses his new knowledge to restore order to the “land.”

Archetypal Symbols & Journeys Light=goodness Darkness = 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

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 Damsel in Distress Mentor Group of Companions/ Best Friends Bad Boy Devil Figure

Journal: Where Archetypes Exist Today Pick a movie that you know fairly well that’s not fantasy/superhero/sci-fi. Outline the following for the film: Who’s the hero? Which archetypal characteristics of the hero does it stick to? Which archetypes of the hero’s journey apply? Which “other archetypal characters” exist in the film? Where does the film stray from the archetypal hero/journey? USE WWW.IMDB.COM FOR PLOT INFO

Journal: Your Quest MUST BE AT LEAST HALF A PAGE 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