Archetypes

What are archetypes?Models of people,

behaviours, or personalities.

They stem from people’s “collective unconscious”: we are born with them present within us.

Despite being a modern term, Epics had a number of prominent archetypes.

The Hero

Unusual birth: royal or divine parent(s), prophesised birth.

Leaves family and lives with others.

Forced into quest due to traumatic circumstances.

Special/magical weapon.

Assistance granted by gods or God.

The FatherStern, authoritative,

powerful, masculine.Associated with law,

order, and discipline.Positive father

figures: judges, kings, leaders, fathers, and gods.

Negative father figures: those who overreach themselves (usurpers, tyrants).

Wise Old Man

• Guidance, knowledge, wisdom.

• Personification of masculine spirit.

• Wise Woman would be his opposite

The Maiden

Innocence, purity, desire.

Can be reckless and self-destructive, or dutiful and obedient.

PersonaHow we present

ourselves to the world.

Latin for maskThe figurative masks

we wear in different settings and with different people.