Archetypes What is a hero?

Definition of archetype: 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. 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 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 "archetype." Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1). Random House, Inc. 23 Aug

3 Different Practical Archetypes 1. Situation Archetype 2. Character Archetype 3. Symbolic Archetype

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

The Quest the search for someone or something (a talisman) which, when found and brought back, will restore fertility to a wasted land, the desolation of which is mirrored by a leader’s illness and disability. the search for someone or something (a talisman) which, when found and brought back, will restore fertility to a wasted land, the desolation of which is mirrored by a leader’s illness and disability. Note: “fertility” does not necessarily mean “reproduction” or “fruitfulness.” It can and often does mean prosperity, peace, harmony. Note: “fertility” does not necessarily mean “reproduction” or “fruitfulness.” It can and often does mean prosperity, peace, harmony..

The Journey The journey sends the hero in search for some truth or information necessary to restore fertility to the kingdom. a. The hero descends into a real or psychological torment. 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 journey sends the hero in search for some truth or information necessary to restore fertility to the kingdom. a. The hero descends into a real or psychological torment. 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 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. 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.) 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.)

The Initiation This usually takes the form of an initiation into adult life. The adolescent comes into his or her own maturity with new awareness and problems along with new hope for the community. This awakening is often the climax of the story. It does parallel the Ritual.

The Fall 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. 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.

Death & Rebirth This is the most common of all situational archetypes. It is the parallel between the cycle of nature and the cycle of life. Thus, morning and springtime represent birth, youth, or rebirth; evening and winter suggest old age or death.

The Battle Between Good & Evil Obviously, the battle between two primal forces. Mankind shows eternal optimism in the continual portrayal of good triumphing over evil despite great odds.

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

The Initiates These are young heroes or heroines who, prior to their quest, must endure some training and ceremony. They are usually innocent and often wear white. These are young heroes or heroines who, prior to their quest, must endure some training and ceremony. They are usually innocent and often wear white.

The Mentor These individuals serve as teachers or counselors to the initiates. Sometimes they work as role models and often serve as father or mother figure. These individuals serve as teachers or counselors to the initiates. Sometimes they work as role models and often serve as father or mother figure. (1) (2)

Father – Son Conflict Tension often results from separation during childhood or from an external source when the individuals meet as men and where the mentor often has a higher place in the affections of the hero than the natural parent Tension often results from separation during childhood or from an external source when the individuals meet as men and where the mentor often has a higher place in the affections of the hero than the natural parent

Archetype Activity Get in groups of four (4) by finding the other people who have a character from your story.