Epics, Myths, Heroes, and Archetypes

An Introduction

Characteristics of an epic…

A physically impressive hero of national or historical importanceA vast setting involving much of the physical world and, sometimes, the land of the deadAction such as a mission or quest taken in search of something of value

Continued…Evidence of supernatural forces at workGlorification of the hero at the endRooted in a specific culture or society

What is a myth?

Stories about supernatural beings Handed down orally from one

generation to another

                                      

Myths attempt to explain…

NATURE and its processes:Earth’s originThe Heavens? (Sun, moon, stars, etc.)The seasons? (Climate, rain, etc.)Geography? (Oceans, mountains, forests, etc.)

Continued…MAN and historical events:

Man’s originHis life? (Birth, growth, reproduction, death)His victories? (Glory in battle)His defeats? (Misfortunes)His end? (Rewards and punishments)Reality of the human condition

Continued…GOD(S):

Their origin?How many are there?What do they have power over?What are their roles?What are their powers and weaknesses?

What is an archetype?

An original model after which other similar things are

patterned Found in every culture all

over the world

Situational Archetypes:write them ALL down

The QuestThe TaskThe Initiation

The JourneyThe FallDeath and Rebirth

Stage I of the Hero’s Journey

The Departure

Includes The Quest and The Task

The Quest Search for someone or an

objectRestores peace or balance to a society

The Task

A test for the hero

Hero has to perform a super-

human deed

Stage II of the Hero’s Journey

The Initiation

Trials TribulationTransitions into adulthood or another role

                                                                         

Stage III of the Hero’s Journey

The ReturnThe Journey-spiritual discovery The Fall-higher to lower state of being

                                    

Death and Rebirth

Shows cycle of nature and life

Character Archetypes

THE HERO: Many traits!

Unusual circumstances of birthLeaves family or landEvent leads to questHas special weapon only he can wieldGets “supernatural” help

Must pass testUsually has a journey and an unhealable woundExperiences atonement with parent(s)Glorified at the end of the quest

Major Character Archetypes:

The InitiatesThe MentorThe Hunting Group of CompanionsThe Friendly BeastThe Evil Figure with the Ultimately Good Heart

The Devil FigureThe TransgressorThe DestroyerThe TricksterThe ScapegoatThe OutcastThe Earth Mother

Character Archetypes Continued…

The InnocentThe TemptressThe Platonic IdealThe Amazon WarriorThe Damsel in DistressCreatures of Nightmares

The Threshold GuardianThe ShadowThe Star-Crossed Lovers

Symbolic Archetypes

Symbolic Archetypes:

Light vs. DarknessWater vs. DesertHeaven vs. HellFire vs. IceNature vs. Mechanistic WorldGood vs. EvilFather vs. Son

Supernatural InterventionUnhealable WoundRitualMagic Weapon

Color Archetypes

Yes, writers of literature and film choose colors

for a reason!

WhitePositive connotations:

Light, innocence, purity, virginityNegative:

Death, terror, supernatural, blinding truth

http://www.starwars.com/databank/organization/stormtroopers/

BlackPositive connotations:

Knowledge, intelligenceNegative:

Evil, sadness, chaos, mystery, death

http://www.starwars.com/databank/character/darthvader/

YellowPositive connotations: hope, happinessNegative connotations: dishonesty, cowardice, deceit, illness

RedPositive connotations:

Love, artistry

Negative:Blood, sacrifice, disorder

Red is also generally associated with STRONG emotions.

BluePositive color associated with serenity, truth, spiritual purity, peace, security, loyalty

GreenPositive associations:

Life, rebirth, growth, hope, fertility, luck

Negative:Death, decay, envy, misfortune

OrangePositive color made from red and yellow; symbolizes hope and passion, energy and balance

http://www.starwars.com/community/news/2002/03/news20020308b.html

BrownEarth tones positively represent nature and ideas of earth, hearth, home, the outdoors, comfort, endurance, simplicity

http://www.starwars.com/databank/species/ewok/eu.html

PurplePositive connotations: wisdom, enlightenment, power, royaltyNegative: cruelty and arrogance

PinkPositive connotations: health, purity, sexuality, pure loveNegative: childish innocence, immaturity

Numeric Symbolism

Yes, numbers can mean something, too!

Significant Numbers:One: complete unityTwo: symbolizes duality (night/day, sun/moon, etc.)Three: associated with Holy Trinity, light, unity

Four: associated with the circle, life cycle, seasons, elements, earth, natureSeven: signifies the union of 3 and 4, which signifies perfect order