Archetypes

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Archetypes The Heros Journey
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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)

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What is an Archetype?

• Archetypes, like the heros 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?

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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

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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

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Heros Journey
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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

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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

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Stage 2 The Initiation

• Step 3 The Tests (Challenges Ordeals)
• Outward journey to a physical unknown
• Inward journey to psychological unknown

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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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.

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Heros Journey
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By the Waters of BabylonHeros Map Assignment

• In small groups, you will use your knowledge of
  setting and archetypes to make a heros map that
  reflects the short story.
• Requirements
• Detailed, accurate illustration
• Physical setting (ex. Rivers, trees, label area
  names)
• Cultural setting (ex. Forbidden boundaries)
• Track Johns travels
• Label and briefly explain Johns stages in his
  heros journey