1. Literature’s Blueprints
Archetypes
Literature’s Blueprints

2. What is an archetype?
First applied by Carl Jung, it is a universal pattern that crosses cultures and mythologies
Part of the human collective consciousness
Helps us understand patterns

3. What can be an archetype?
Images
Symbols
Character Types
Themes
Ideas
Plot Patterns

4. Where will we find archetypes?
Myths
Literature
Fantasies
Dreams
Religions
Folklore

5. Major types of archetypes
Situations
Characters
Journeys
Symbols/Motifs

6. Situational Archetypes

7. The Quest – describes the search of someone or something (a talisman or sacred object) that will restore happiness and peace to the land
Ex. Mumble’s search for the stealer of the fish

8. The Task – the almost superhuman feat(s) that must be accomplished in order to reach the goal
Ex. Mulan’s becoming a man in order to save her father’s honor

9. The Journey – the hero is sent in search of information needed to restore fertility, justice, and/or harmony to the land.
It includes trials and problems along the way, usually including a visit to hell or an underworldly region
Ex. Frodo’s journey to return the Ring to Sauron’s mountain

10. The Initiation – A moment (either physical or psychological) where an individual comes into maturity
The hero gains awareness of his responsibilities and place in the world
The hero also receives a calling that he/she may deny before accepting their responsibilities
Ex. Simba’s refusal to return to Pride Rock and his visit from Rafikki

11. This situation officially brings the young person into the adult world
The Ritual – An organized ceremony that involves members of the community and the initiate (hero)
This situation officially brings the young person into the adult world
Ex. Mulan’s visit with the matchmaker

12. The Fall – A decent in action from a higher to a lower state of being
Usually involves defilement, moral imperfection, and/or loss of innocence
The fall is often accompanied by expulsion from a paradise as penalty for disobedience
Ex. Adam and Eve’s expulsion from Eden after eating the apple

13. Death and Rebirth – this is the most common situational archetype
It refers to situations when someone or something (concrete or metaphysical) dies, but is accompanied by a sign of birth or rebirth
Ex. The death of Scar and the birth of Simba’s son

14. Nature vs. Machines – basically, this refers to situations where nature (like man) is good and the forces of technology are bad
Ex. Neo and the Machines in The Matrix

15. The implication is that good will triumph over evil
The Battle Between Good and Evil – this situation pits forces that are obviously good against those that are obviously evil
The implication is that good will triumph over evil
Ex. Mulan and friends versus the Huns

16. This wound represents a loss of purity or innocence
The Unhealable Wound – a wound (physical or psychological) that can never fully heal
This wound represents a loss of purity or innocence
The wound can sometimes drive the sufferer to madness
Ex. Frodo’s cut from the Rider, and his increasing dependence on the Ring

17. The Magic Weapon – a piece of technology used by a hero
It is used to combat evil, continue a journey, or prove his/her identity as a chosen one
The individual must be skilled or have innate ability to wield the weapon
Ex. When Arthur pulls Excalibur from the stone (The Sword and the Stone)

18. Sometimes this conflict is resolved during atonement
Father-Son Conflict – this situation involves tension that results from separation during childhood or from an outside source if the individuals meet as men
The mentor in the young person’s life has a place of importance over the parent
Sometimes this conflict is resolved during atonement
Ex. Hercules’ separation from his parents and his dependence on Phil for assistance

19. Innate Wisdom vs. Educated Stupidity – some characters exhibit wisdom and understanding intuitively (without being taught) as opposed to those who are “educated” and in charge
Ex. Kusco and Pacha

20. Character Archetypes

21. His/Her birth is unusual, and he is raised by a guardian
The Hero – usually the protagonist whose life is a series of adventures
His/Her birth is unusual, and he is raised by a guardian
He has to leave his kingdom and can return when he is a man/woman
Characteristics:
Courage
Strength
Honor
Enduring hardships
Risking his life for the greater good
Ex. Simba

22. He/she can see new problems and new solutions
Young Man from the provinces – the hero returns to his home and heritage as a stranger
He/she can see new problems and new solutions
Ex. Luke Skywalker

23. The Initiates – young heroes or heroines who must go through some training and ceremony before undertaking their quest
Ex. Mulan’s training camp

24. The Mentor – an older, wiser teacher to the initiate
He/she gives the hero gifts: weapons, food, magic, information
Serves as a role model or the hero’s conscience
Ex. Yoda 

25. Mentor/Pupil Relationship – the Mentor teaches the hero the necessary skills for surviving the quest
Ex. Morpheus teaching Neo how to navigate the Matrix

26. Group of Companions – those who are loyal to the hero and willing to face hardship and ordeal in order to stay together
Ex. The Fellowship

27. Friendly Beast – an animal companion that shows that nature is on the side of the hero
The mice and birds in Cinderella

28. It must be destroyed or neutralized
The Shadow – a worthy opponent who the hero must struggle against in a fight to the end
It must be destroyed or neutralized
Psychologically can represent the darker side of the hero’s psyche
Ex. Neo’s struggle against Mr. Smith

29. The Devil Figure – this character is evil incarnate
Hades in Hercules

30. Often it is a perversion or desecration of the human body
The Creature of Nightmare – a monster usually summoned from the deepest, darkest part of the human psyche to threaten the lives of the hero/heroine
Often it is a perversion or desecration of the human body
Ex. The Balrog in Lord of the Rings

31. Usually destined to wander from place to place
The Outcast – a character banished from a social group for some real or imagined crime against his fellow man
Usually destined to wander from place to place
Ex. Golem in Lord of the Rings

32. The Platonic Ideal – a woman who is a source of inspiration to the hero, who has an intellectual rather than physical attration to her

33. She is often used as a trap to ensnare the unsuspecting hero
Damsel in Distress – a vulnerable woman who needs to be rescued by the hero
She is often used as a trap to ensnare the unsuspecting hero
Ex. Fiona in Shrek

34. Symbolic of fruition, abundance, and fertility
The Earth Mother – this character traditionally offers spiritual and emotional nourishment to those with whom she comes in contact
Symbolic of fruition, abundance, and fertility
Ex. Grandmother Willow in Pocahontas

35. The Temptress or Black Goddess – characterized by sensuous beauty
This woman is one to who the protagonist (hero) is physically attracted and who ultimately brings about his downfall
She may also appear as a witch or vampire
Ex. Ursula in The Little Mermaid

36. The White Goddess – good, beautiful maiden, usually blonde
She may make an ideal marriage partner
She often has religious or intellectual overtones
Ex. Glinda the Good Witch

37. The Unfaithful Spouse – a man or woman married to someone they see as dull or distant and is attracted to a more virile or interesting person
Ex.

38. Star-Crossed Lovers – two characters engaged in a love affair fated to end tragically for one or both due to the disapproval of society, friends, family, or some tragic situation
Ex. Romeo and Juliet