Archetypes and the Quest

Archetypes and the Quest

ArchetypesArchetypes

Simply put, an archetype is a recurring pattern of character, symbol, or situation found in mythology, religion, and stories of all cultures.

They are unconscious…meaning humans didn’t “invent” them.

Simply put, an archetype is a recurring pattern of character, symbol, or situation found in mythology, religion, and stories of all cultures.

They are unconscious…meaning humans didn’t “invent” them.

Carl JungCarl Jung

Believed that these archetypes were the result of a collective unconscious. This collective unconscious was not directly knowable.

Believed that these archetypes were the result of a collective unconscious. This collective unconscious was not directly knowable.

Carl JungCarl Jung

Primordial: That is, we, as individuals, have these archetypal images ingrained in our understanding even before we are born.

Universal: These archetypes can be found all over the world and throughout history. The specifics of the idea may be different, but the idea itself is the same.

Primordial: That is, we, as individuals, have these archetypal images ingrained in our understanding even before we are born.

Universal: These archetypes can be found all over the world and throughout history. The specifics of the idea may be different, but the idea itself is the same.

Archetypal Character Examples

Archetypal Character Examples

The hero archetype: When everything seems lost, the Hero saves the day. Tough and courageous, this archetype sets goals, overcomes obstacles, and persists in difficult times.

The lover archetype: governs all kinds of love—from parental love, to friendship, to spiritual love—but we know it best in romance.

The hero archetype: When everything seems lost, the Hero saves the day. Tough and courageous, this archetype sets goals, overcomes obstacles, and persists in difficult times.

The lover archetype: governs all kinds of love—from parental love, to friendship, to spiritual love—but we know it best in romance.

Archetypal Character Examples

Archetypal Character Examples

The Sage archetype: seeks the truths that will set us free.

The Warriar archetype: protects and defends against all enemies, operating on the premise that strength and power overcome any injustice.

There are dozens of archetypal characters…

The Sage archetype: seeks the truths that will set us free.

The Warriar archetype: protects and defends against all enemies, operating on the premise that strength and power overcome any injustice.

There are dozens of archetypal characters…

The Heroic Journey Archetype

The Heroic Journey Archetype

There are 6 stages to the Hero Quest Monomyth

Can be visualized as a cycle.

There are 6 stages to the Hero Quest Monomyth

Can be visualized as a cycle.

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Stage 1: Call to AdventureStage 1: Call to Adventure

The hero is called to adventure by some external event or messenger. The Hero may accept the call willingly or reluctantly.

The hero is called to adventure by some external event or messenger. The Hero may accept the call willingly or reluctantly.

Stage 2: HelperStage 2: Helper

During the early stages of the journey, the hero will often receive aid from a protective figure. This supernatural helper can take a wide variety of forms, such as a wizard, and old man, a dwarf, a crone, or a fairy godmother.

During the early stages of the journey, the hero will often receive aid from a protective figure. This supernatural helper can take a wide variety of forms, such as a wizard, and old man, a dwarf, a crone, or a fairy godmother.

Stage 3: Crossing the “Threshold of Adventure”

Stage 3: Crossing the “Threshold of Adventure”

Upon reaching the threshold of adventure, the hero must undergo some sort of ordeal in order to pass from the everyday world into the world of adventure.

This trial may be as painless as entering a dark cave or as violent as being swallowed up by a whale. The important feature is the contrast between the familiar world of light and the dark, unknown world of adventure.

Upon reaching the threshold of adventure, the hero must undergo some sort of ordeal in order to pass from the everyday world into the world of adventure.

This trial may be as painless as entering a dark cave or as violent as being swallowed up by a whale. The important feature is the contrast between the familiar world of light and the dark, unknown world of adventure.

Stage 4: Tests and HelpersStage 4: Tests and Helpers Tests: The hero travels through the world of

adventure where he must undergo a series of tests. These trials are often violent encounters with monsters, sorcerers, warriors, or forces of nature. Each successful test further proves the hero's ability and advances the journey toward its climax.

Helpers: The hero is often accompanied on the journey by a helper who assists in the series of tests and generally serves as a loyal companion. Alternately, the hero may encounter a supernatural helper in the world of adventure who fulfills this function.

Tests: The hero travels through the world of adventure where he must undergo a series of tests. These trials are often violent encounters with monsters, sorcerers, warriors, or forces of nature. Each successful test further proves the hero's ability and advances the journey toward its climax.

Helpers: The hero is often accompanied on the journey by a helper who assists in the series of tests and generally serves as a loyal companion. Alternately, the hero may encounter a supernatural helper in the world of adventure who fulfills this function.

Stage 5: The OrdealStage 5: The Ordeal

Climax/The Final Battle: This is the critical moment in the hero's journey in which there is often a final battle with a monster, wizard, or warrior which facilitates the particular resolution of the adventure.

Climax/The Final Battle: This is the critical moment in the hero's journey in which there is often a final battle with a monster, wizard, or warrior which facilitates the particular resolution of the adventure.

Stage 6: FlightStage 6: Flight

Flight: After accomplishing the mission, the hero must return to the threshold of adventure and prepare for a return to the everyday world. If the hero has angered the opposing forces by stealing the “elixir” or killing a powerful monster, the return may take the form of a hasty flight.

Flight: After accomplishing the mission, the hero must return to the threshold of adventure and prepare for a return to the everyday world. If the hero has angered the opposing forces by stealing the “elixir” or killing a powerful monster, the return may take the form of a hasty flight.

Stage 7: ReturnStage 7: Return

Return: The hero again crosses the “threshold of adventure” and returns to the everyday world of daylight. The return usually takes the form of an awakening, rebirth, resurrection, or a simple emergence from a cave or forest.

Return: The hero again crosses the “threshold of adventure” and returns to the everyday world of daylight. The return usually takes the form of an awakening, rebirth, resurrection, or a simple emergence from a cave or forest.

Stage 8: ElixirStage 8: Elixir

Elixer: The object, knowledge, or blessing that the hero acquired during the adventure is now put to use in the everyday world. Often it has a restorative or healing function, but it also serves to define the hero's role in the society.

Elixer: The object, knowledge, or blessing that the hero acquired during the adventure is now put to use in the everyday world. Often it has a restorative or healing function, but it also serves to define the hero's role in the society.

Example:The LionKing

Example:The LionKingRemember the beginning of Lion

King? Simba's birth is being celebrated. The unusual aspect of his birth is his royal status. His father, Mufasa, is the King of the Jungle.

Simba's father is murdered by Scar...

Remember the beginning of Lion King? Simba's birth is being celebrated. The unusual aspect of his birth is his royal status. His father, Mufasa, is the King of the Jungle.

Simba's father is murdered by Scar...

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...which leaves our little hero helpless and forces him to leave his kingdom. Have no fear, however; heroes always return to their land.

Simba initially fights with Nala, but they soon realize they are friends. She tells him of Scar's reign, which begins Simba's quest to gain his father's kingdom back from

Scar.

...which leaves our little hero helpless and forces him to leave his kingdom. Have no fear, however; heroes always return to their land.

Simba initially fights with Nala, but they soon realize they are friends. She tells him of Scar's reign, which begins Simba's quest to gain his father's kingdom back from

Scar.

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Simba sees his father's spirit and also gets helps from Rafiki, a medicine man-type character. Rafiki is the supernatural force in The Lion King. He he influences Simba and provide him with guidance.

Simba sees his father's spirit and also gets helps from Rafiki, a medicine man-type character. Rafiki is the supernatural force in The Lion King. He he influences Simba and provide him with guidance.

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Simba is immature at first and unable to be the hero he will eventually become. However, once Simba realizes Scar must be removed and Simba is the only one who can do it, he assumes his proper role as the hero and saves the land from the evil Scar.

Simba is immature at first and unable to be the hero he will eventually become. However, once Simba realizes Scar must be removed and Simba is the only one who can do it, he assumes his proper role as the hero and saves the land from the evil Scar.

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Simba's descent into "hell" is combined with his defeat of Scar and the hyenas. Remember all the flames in the background as he fights Scar? He symbolically goes where none of the other lions could go in order to help his tribe and prove himself. Simba's unhealable wound? His past, where his courage failed him and his tribe, will always haunt him.

Simba's descent into "hell" is combined with his defeat of Scar and the hyenas. Remember all the flames in the background as he fights Scar? He symbolically goes where none of the other lions could go in order to help his tribe and prove himself. Simba's unhealable wound? His past, where his courage failed him and his tribe, will always haunt him.

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The spirit of Mufasa, Simba's father, tells Simba to be strong and assume his place on the throne. Simba, who has been reluctant up to this point to return to his kingdom, realizes he has little choice but to avenge his father's murder.

The spirit of Mufasa, Simba's father, tells Simba to be strong and assume his place on the throne. Simba, who has been reluctant up to this point to return to his kingdom, realizes he has little choice but to avenge his father's murder.

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Simba becomes king, earning his elixir (power). He returns the animal kingdom back to normal and the hero quest comes to an end.

Simba becomes king, earning his elixir (power). He returns the animal kingdom back to normal and the hero quest comes to an end.

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What is a mythological/ archetypal approach?

What is a mythological/ archetypal approach?

Looking for common symbols throughout literature, cultures, people

Myths are repeated throughout history in cultures

ExampleEvery culture has a creation storyA life after death beliefA reason for human failings

Looking for common symbols throughout literature, cultures, people

Myths are repeated throughout history in cultures

ExampleEvery culture has a creation storyA life after death beliefA reason for human failings

What is a mythological/ archetypal approach?

What is a mythological/ archetypal approach?

When we study different texts across different cultures, we see similarities

Look for general recurring themes, characters, situations

When we study different texts across different cultures, we see similarities

Look for general recurring themes, characters, situations

Three main points to studyThree main points to study

1. Archetypal characters2. Archetypal images3. Archetypal situations

1. Archetypal characters2. Archetypal images3. Archetypal situations

1. Archetypal Characters1. Archetypal Characters

The HEROThe SCAPEGOATThe LONER or OUTCASTThe TEMPTRESSThe EARTH MOTHER/GODDESSThe SPIRIT or INTELLECT

The HEROThe SCAPEGOATThe LONER or OUTCASTThe TEMPTRESSThe EARTH MOTHER/GODDESSThe SPIRIT or INTELLECT

HEROHERO

Larger than lifeSearch for self-identity results in

self-destructionDeath of him/her leads toward

some idealModern superheroes (Superman)

Larger than lifeSearch for self-identity results in

self-destructionDeath of him/her leads toward

some idealModern superheroes (Superman)

SCAPEGOATSCAPEGOAT

Innocent characterSituation is blamed on this characterCharacter assumes the blame for a

situationIs punished in place of the truly

guilty partyHe/she removes the guilt from the

culprit and society

Innocent characterSituation is blamed on this characterCharacter assumes the blame for a

situationIs punished in place of the truly

guilty partyHe/she removes the guilt from the

culprit and society

LONER or OUTCASTLONER or OUTCAST

Character separated from society Impaired physically, emotionally,

physiologically Ex. – Jesus goes into the desert to discern

his destinyBuddha leaves society to come to terms with

his philosophyVictor Frankenstein travels to remote locales

to avoid people when he realizes he has created a monster

Heroes can be loners or outcasts too

Character separated from society Impaired physically, emotionally,

physiologically Ex. – Jesus goes into the desert to discern

his destinyBuddha leaves society to come to terms with

his philosophyVictor Frankenstein travels to remote locales

to avoid people when he realizes he has created a monster

Heroes can be loners or outcasts too

TEMPTRESSTEMPTRESS

FemaleShe wants what the male desiresShe uses his desire (intentionally

or unintentionally) to achieve his destruction

Ex. Eve, Juliet, Lady Macbeth

FemaleShe wants what the male desiresShe uses his desire (intentionally

or unintentionally) to achieve his destruction

Ex. Eve, Juliet, Lady Macbeth

EARTH MOTHER/GODDESSEARTH MOTHER/GODDESS

Mother NatureMother EarthNurturing, life-giving aspect of

femininity

Mother NatureMother EarthNurturing, life-giving aspect of

femininity

SPIRIT or INTELLECTSPIRIT or INTELLECT

Often-unidentifiedFeminine inspirationEx. Dante’s Beatrice (Dante’s

Inferno)Shakespeare’s Dark Lady

Often-unidentifiedFeminine inspirationEx. Dante’s Beatrice (Dante’s

Inferno)Shakespeare’s Dark Lady

2. Archetypal Situations2. Archetypal Situations

The QUESTRENEWAL OF LIFEINITIATIONThe FALLREDEMPTIVE SACRIFICE

The QUESTRENEWAL OF LIFEINITIATIONThe FALLREDEMPTIVE SACRIFICE

The QuestThe Quest

Hero’s endeavor to establish his/her identity or

fulfill his/her destinyThe Monomyth

Hero’s endeavor to establish his/her identity or

fulfill his/her destinyThe Monomyth

Renewal of LifeRenewal of Life

Death and rebirthResurrection as seen in the cycle

of the seasonsPhases of the day, sleeping and

wakingEx. “Sleeping Beauty,” “The

Secret Garden”

Death and rebirthResurrection as seen in the cycle

of the seasonsPhases of the day, sleeping and

wakingEx. “Sleeping Beauty,” “The

Secret Garden”

InitiationInitiation

Coming of ageRites of passageEx. First hunt, weddings, teenage

angst films, To Kill A Mockingbird - Scout

Coming of ageRites of passageEx. First hunt, weddings, teenage

angst films, To Kill A Mockingbird - Scout

The FallThe Fall

Any event that marks a loss of innocence

A devolution from a paradisiacal life and viewpoint to a tainted one

Ex. Gatsby’s realization that he will never have Daisy in Chapter 8

Any event that marks a loss of innocence

A devolution from a paradisiacal life and viewpoint to a tainted one

Ex. Gatsby’s realization that he will never have Daisy in Chapter 8

Redemptive SacrificeRedemptive Sacrifice

Any voluntary lossEspecially loss of life that results in

another’s gaining or regaining a desired state

Any voluntary lossEspecially loss of life that results in

another’s gaining or regaining a desired state

3. Archetypal Images3. Archetypal Images

COLOURSNUMBERSWATERGARDENSSERPENTGEOMETRIC SHAPESASTRONOMICAL BODIES

COLOURSNUMBERSWATERGARDENSSERPENTGEOMETRIC SHAPESASTRONOMICAL BODIES

ColoursColours

Red = blood, passion, violenceGold=greatness, value, wealthGreen-fertility, luxury, growthBlue (the color of the sky)=God-

like holiness, peace, serenityWhite=purityBlack=death

Red = blood, passion, violenceGold=greatness, value, wealthGreen-fertility, luxury, growthBlue (the color of the sky)=God-

like holiness, peace, serenityWhite=purityBlack=death

NumbersNumbers

Three = light, spiritual awareness, and unity (eg: The Holy Trinity)

Four = circle, life cycle, four seasons, female principle, earth, nature, 4 elements (earth, air/wind, fire, water)

Seven = union of 3 and 4, the completion of the cycle, perfect order.

Twelve=months of the solar year, etc.

Three = light, spiritual awareness, and unity (eg: The Holy Trinity)

Four = circle, life cycle, four seasons, female principle, earth, nature, 4 elements (earth, air/wind, fire, water)

Seven = union of 3 and 4, the completion of the cycle, perfect order.

Twelve=months of the solar year, etc.

WaterWater

Source of life and sustenanceCleansing or purificationFertility and growthBaptism

Source of life and sustenanceCleansing or purificationFertility and growthBaptism

GardensGardens

Natural abundanceEasy, beautiful life, paradiseUnspoiled beautyFertilityNew birth, hopeEden, the original Paradise from

which humankind was expelled

Natural abundanceEasy, beautiful life, paradiseUnspoiled beautyFertilityNew birth, hopeEden, the original Paradise from

which humankind was expelled

Serpent (snake/worm)Serpent (snake/worm)

Symbol of energy, pure forceEvilCorruptionSensualityDestructionMystery

Symbol of energy, pure forceEvilCorruptionSensualityDestructionMystery

Geometric ShapesGeometric Shapes

Triangle = the trinityCircle = perfection and eternity,

wholeness, union

Triangle = the trinityCircle = perfection and eternity,

wholeness, union

AstronomicalAstronomical

Sun = MALE - creative energy, wisdom, father, passage of time and life (rising sun = birth, creation, hope / setting sun = death, sorrow)

Moon = FEMALE - symbol of life, death, and then rebirth. Moon controls course of human events. Light within darkness.

Ex. Seedtime, harvest, etc., are all determined more by the phases of the moon than the phases of the sun

Sun = MALE - creative energy, wisdom, father, passage of time and life (rising sun = birth, creation, hope / setting sun = death, sorrow)

Moon = FEMALE - symbol of life, death, and then rebirth. Moon controls course of human events. Light within darkness.

Ex. Seedtime, harvest, etc., are all determined more by the phases of the moon than the phases of the sun