1. Archetypes

2. Introduction Researchers have been able to collect and compare myths, legends, and religions of cultures from all around the world. They discovered that for centuries, people who had NO contact with each other had passed down stories through generations that were similar to the stories of other cultures. The basic elements of these stories are called ARCHETYPES.

3. What is an archetype? A character, action, or situation that is a prototype (or pattern) of human life A situation that occurs over and over again in literature Quest Initiation Attempt to overcome evil

4. Heroic Character Archetypes Orphan Martyr Wanderer Warrior Magician

5. Orphan fearing exploitation, seeks to regain the comfort of the womb To fulfill their quest they must go through the agonies of the developmental stages they have missed Their strength is the interdependence and pragmatic realism that they had to learn at an early age. A hazard is that they will fall into the “victim mentality”

6. Martyr First offers self-sacrifice in the name of a greater cause or the safety of significant others. Greatest fear is selfishness or callousness Believes it is better to give than receive, and more virtuous to be poor than rich May repress negative emotions so as not to hurt others

7. Wanderer Fears conformity Enjoys isolated activities Deals with emotions on own “I’ll do it myself” attitude

8. Warrior Seeks to win at whatever confronts them Fears weakness Emotions are controlled or repressed so they don’t get in the way of achievement Works hard for goal, and expects reward

9. Magician The Magician's quest is not necessarily to 'do magic' but to transform or change something or someone in some way. May be feared because of their power. They may also fear themselves and their potential to do harm. Allows curiosity, learns in group or alone because it’s fun