Wise Old Man Archetype

By: Tommy Ristau

This is a character archetype This type of character is represented as a

kind and wise, older father-type figure who uses personal knowledge of people and the world to help tell stories and offer guidance that may impress upon his audience a sense of who they are and who they might become.

Definition

Example-Moses Lived from 1391–1271 BC Part of Ancient Middle Eastern Culture

Archetype during this culture would most likely be seen in religious figures

Ancient Middle Eastern

Leads his people through the Red Sea in Exodus

Must have been wise/important because he was given 10 commandments by God

Lived to be 120 years old! One of the most important prophets of all

time

How does Moses fit the Wise Old Man Archetype?

Example-Nestor Lived during the Trojan war Was a very wise man but his advice did not

always yield desired results Wise men/elders not respected quite as

much as in other societies◦ Such as Ancient China

Ancient Greece

Elder statesmen of the Greeks during the Trojan War

“The master of the courteous word, the clear-voiced orator”

Lived to a very great age

How does Nestor fit the Wise Old Man Archetype?

Romans took most of their mythology God’s from the Greeks but renamed them.

Example-Minerva Roman Empire has often had wise slaves

because of their huge dependence on Slavery

Roman leaders were not the wisest because of the way they were selected

Roman Empire

Goddess of wisdom Often show with an owl, which is a symbol

of her wisdom Frequently used on university seals

How Minerva Fits the Archetype

Example-Mahatma Gandhi Indian Independence movement

◦ Civil rights movement Plenty of Racism going on during time

period

19th-20th Century India and South Africa

Knows that all humans should be treated equal◦ Fights to stop racism and get rights in South

Africa Was not afraid to express what he believed

was right◦ Ends up in prison multiple times because of this

Had many great ideas on making peace One of the most influential people of all

time

How Gandhi fits the archetype

Example-Yoda From Star wars Master of the force

20th Century-Modern

Wisest being in the universe Lived to be over 900 years old Helps the Jedi defeat the Sith with his

knowledge of the force and life Spends lots of time meditating on a floating

chair

How Yoda fits the Archetype

Example-Albus Dumbledore Harry Potter Series

◦ By J.K. Rowling Harry Potter is one of the most

read/watched series in modern culture.

Modern

Dumbledore is a mentor and example for Harry and the other characters throughout the book

He is the most talented wizard in the world Long white beard look Sets up Harry to beat Voldemort

How Dumbledore fits the Archetype

Mr. Howell!!!

Wise Old Man in my life today…

The End