Epics, Myths, Heroes, and Archetypes An Introduction

Characteristics of an epic… A physically impressive hero of national or historical importance A vast setting involving much of the physical world and, sometimes, the land of the dead Action such as a mission or quest taken in search of something of value

Continued… Evidence of supernatural forces at work Glorification of the hero at the end Rooted in a specific culture or society

What is a myth?  Stories about supernatural beings  Handed down orally from one generation to another

Myths attempt to explain… NATURE and its processes: Earth’s origin The Heavens? (Sun, moon, stars, etc.) The seasons? (Climate, rain, etc.) Geography? (Oceans, mountains, forests, etc.)

Continued… MAN and historical events: Man’s origin His life? (Birth, growth, reproduction, death) His victories? (Glory in battle) His defeats? (Misfortunes) His end? (Rewards and punishments) Reality of the human condition

Continued… GOD(S): Their origin? How many are there? What do they have power over? What are their roles? What are their powers and weaknesses?

What is an archetype?  An original model after which other similar things are patterned  Found in every culture all over the world

Situational Archetypes: write them ALL down The Quest The Task The Initiation The Journey The Fall Death and Rebirth

Stage I of the Hero’s Journey The Departure Includes The Quest and The Task

The Quest  Search for someone or an object  Restores peace or balance to a society

The Task  A test for the hero  Hero has to perform a super-human deed

Stage II of the Hero’s Journey The Initiation Trials Tribulation Transitions into adulthood or another role

Stage III of the Hero’s Journey The Return The Journey- spiritual discovery The Fall-higher to lower state of being

Death and Rebirth Shows cycle of nature and life

Character Archetypes

THE HERO: Many traits! Unusual circumstances of birth Leaves family or land Event leads to quest Has special weapon only he can wield Gets “ supernatural ” help Must pass test Usually has a journey and an unhealable wound Experiences atonement with parent(s) Glorified at the end of the quest

Major Character Archetypes: The Initiates The Mentor The Hunting Group of Companions The Friendly Beast The Evil Figure with the Ultimately Good Heart The Devil Figure The Transgressor The Destroyer The Trickster The Scapegoat The Outcast The Earth Mother

Character Archetypes Continued… The Innocent The Temptress The Platonic Ideal The Amazon Warrior The Damsel in Distress Creatures of Nightmares The Threshold Guardian The Shadow The Star-Crossed Lovers

Symbolic Archetypes

Symbolic Archetypes: Light vs. Darkness Water vs. Desert Heaven vs. Hell Fire vs. Ice Nature vs. Mechanistic World Good vs. Evil Father vs. Son Supernatural Intervention Unhealable Wound Ritual Magic Weapon

Color ArchetypesColor Archetypes Yes, writers of literature and film choose colors for a reason!

White Positive connotations: Light, innocence, purity, virginity Negative: Death, terror, supernatural, blinding truth

Black Positive connotations: Knowledge, intelligence Negative: Evil, sadness, chaos, mystery, death

Yellow Positive connotations: hope, happiness Negative connotations: dishonesty, cowardice, deceit, illness

Red Positive connotations: Love, artistry Negative: Blood, sacrifice, disorder Red is also generally associated with STRONG emotions.

Blue Positive color associated with serenity, truth, spiritual purity, peace, security, loyalty

Green Positive associations: Life, rebirth, growth, hope, fertility, luck Negative: Death, decay, envy, misfortune

Orange Positive color made from red and yellow; symbolizes hope and passion, energy and balance

Brown Earth tones positively represent nature and ideas of earth, hearth, home, the outdoors, comfort, endurance, simplicity

Purple Positive connotations: wisdom, enlightenment, power, royalty Negative: cruelty and arrogance

Pink Positive connotations: health, purity, sexuality, pure love Negative: childish innocence, immaturity

Numeric Symbolism Yes, numbers can mean something, too!

Significant Numbers: One: complete unity Two: symbolizes duality (night/day, sun/moon, etc.) Three: associated with Holy Trinity, light, unity Four: associated with the circle, life cycle, seasons, elements, earth, nature Seven: signifies the union of 3 and 4, which signifies perfect order