Archetypes & The Hero’s Journey

What is an Archetype?What is an Archetype?

• An archetype is an original model after which other similar things are patterned

• There are three basic types of archetypes:

– Situation (The Quest)

– Symbolic (Light vs. Dark)

– Character (the hero, the mentor, the temptress…)

What is an Archetype?What is an Archetype?

• Archetypes, like the hero’s journey, are some of the oldest stories told in the world.

• These stories cross boundaries of time and culture.

• They were a universal way to try to understand human beings’ place in the world:

Why am I here?

Why is there suffering?

What is the meaning of life?

You know archetypes:You know archetypes:

• You are already familiar with archetypes if you know:

– Star Wars

– The Lord of the Rings

– The Matrix

– The Wizard of Oz

– Pinocchio

– The Odyssey

What is a Hero?What is a Hero?

• Many live a secluded childhood among humble people in a country setting

• Must successfully pass through several stages in his quest to accomplish something for the greater good

• Someone who has sacrificed himself for the greater good

Hero’s Journey

Stage 1: Separation from the Comfortable• Step 1: Call to Adventure– Invites initiate to adventure– May be a sudden traumatic change– Initiate is often reluctant to begin journey

Stage 1: Separation from the Comfortable• Step 2: The Threshold of Adventure– When called to adventure, initiate must cross the

threshold (“jumping off point”)– The gateway to the unknown– Encounter Guardians • people or situations that block passage• Serve to protect and point way

– Encounter Helpers• Often bring talisman or wisdom• Mentors who guide throughout journey

Stage 2: The Initiation• Step 3: The Tests (Challenges & Ordeals)– Outward journey to a physical unknown– Inward journey to psychological unknown

Stage 2: The Initiation• Step 4: The Abyss (the ultimate test)– Lowest point for hero– Hero is often alone– Hero must battle greatest internal and external

fear

Stage 2: The Initiation• Step 5: Transformation– As hero conquers the Abyss, his transformation is

complete– Like the Phoenix, a part of the hero must die so

that a new part can be reborn– Ex. Fear dies to make room for courage, ignorance

for enlightenment, dependency for independenc…

Stage 2: The Initiation• Step 6: Revelation– Part of the Transformation is a Revelation: a

sudden, dramatic change in the way the hero thinks or views life.

– This change makes him truly a different person

Stage 2: The Initiation• Step 7: Atonement– After the Transformation, the hero achieves

Atonement that his is “at one” with his new self. – The hero has incorporated the changes caused by

the journey and is reborn.

Stage 3: The Return to Everyday Life• Step 8: Return with a Gift– Final stage of the journey– Upon return, the hero returns to his people with a

gift (ex. Protection, enlightenment, etc.)– His people have benefited, but he will forever be

changed– Many times, the hero is warmly received by his

community, but he a forlorn, somber view of the world.

Hero’s Journey

“By the Waters of Babylon”Hero’s Map Assignment• In small groups, you will use your knowledge of setting

and archetypes to make a hero’s map that reflects the short story.

Requirements:• Detailed, accurate illustration• Physical setting (ex. Rivers, trees, label area names)• Cultural setting (ex. Forbidden boundaries)• Track John’s travels• Label and briefly explain John’s stages in his hero’s

journey