1. Name________________________ Heroic Archetypes / College Level
There are 12 major archetypes concerning the hero and the heroic quest. Fill in this chart
with examples from literature/entertainment industry that will help you understand each of
the 12 archetypes.
Heroes are often of obscure/
mysterious origins.
*concerning their
conception, birth, and/or
up-bringing*
Heroes are neither fools nor
invincible.
*must be great, but also
must have a flaw/weakness
that reminds us they’re human*
The hero’s way is not always
direct or clear to him/her.
*confused about how
they are supposed to attain
their goal(s)*
The hero has a goal or goals.
*either given to them like an
assignment or their own
idea*
5. The hero’s way is beset with
dangers, loneliness, and temptation.
*these need to be dangers that
ordinary people probably
couldn’t do—as well, as fast,
or at all*
In many versions of the quest tale,
the hero is accompanied by friends,
servants, or disciples.
*helpers are common, but the final
task is usually one only for the hero*

2. The hero has a guide or guides.
*These are usually characters of
great wisdom…tell the hero
some things, but they often
leave things out…riddles*
8. The hero descends into darkness,
literally and/or figuratively.
*literally—into a dark place
*figuratively—darkest time of
their life.*
9. The hero is not the same after they
emerge from the darkness.
*change is sometimes positive,
but sometimes negative*
10. What the hero seeks is symbolic
of what is actually found.
*free example: The Holy Grail in
Arthurian legend represented
spiritual salvation…much more
than just a cup*
11. The hero suffers a wound
*These wounds can be physical,
spiritual, emotional, or
psychological---sometimes some
of each kind*
12. In mythologies around the world,
heroes tend to be male; however,
women usually represent wisdom
for the hero.
*free example: In Greek mythology,
Athena is the goddess of wisdom
who helped Perseus.*