02 in Odyssey series; talking about Archetypes

1. The OdysseyArchetypes By Homer The epic story of a journey — Symbolic of our journey through life. 4/15/10

2. What areArhcetypes? 4/15/10

3. Epic tales & Archetypes WHY have epic tales remained so popular from ancient times till now? In a word… ARCHETYPES 4/15/10

4. Epic tales & Archetypes What are ARCHETYPES? Well…they’re easy to spot and to understand, but they’re hard to define; hard to explain. Actually, you probably already know. Or at least you recognize them when you encounter them. 4/15/10

5. Epic tales & Archetypes Archetypes are: Characters Situations That are so common in human experience that everybody recognizes them; everybody relates to them, regardless of language or cultural background. 4/15/10

6. Things to remember about Archetypes 4/15/10

7. Things to remember about Archetypes Archetypes are universal because they: Describe experiences that every human being encounters Hold the same or similar meaning for all people, in every time and place 4/15/10

8. Things to remember about Archetypes Archetypes are recurring because they are: Timeless — not dependent upon or attached to a particular time period (they remain relevant to any time throughout history) Unchanged from ancient times until today, from The Odyssey to The Sopranos and Star Wars or Harry Potter. 4/15/10

9. Things to remember about Archetypes Archetypes are symbolic because they Describe basic human experiences in the form of symbols Allow each one of us to make meaning from our own experiences by recognizing what the symbols mean to us, personally 4/15/10

10. Things to remember about Archetypes They are inherited because they Mean the same thing to just about everybody on planet Earth Can’t be explained by anything in any one individual’s experiences Come from experiences of humankind, not the individual In other words, even if you’ve never had the exact experience yourself, you can still somehow relate to it. 4/15/10

11. Things to remember about Archetypes They are unconscious because they Evoke a deep response, more basic than words 4/15/10

12. Things to remember about Archetypes Archetypes are worldwide because they are Not shared through contacts or communication between cultures Not influenced by geography Remain constant from the most remote village to high tech urban centers 4/15/10

13. Things to remember about Archetypes They are mythic because they Appear in myths of all cultures Connect the myths of all cultures Tell the story of the individual’s and humankind’s search for meaning 4/15/10

14. Things to remember about Archetypes There are 3 basic groups of Archetypes: Character Archetypes Plot Archetypes Symbol Archetypes Let’s take a look at them, group by group… 4/15/10

15. Group 1 ArchetypesofCharacter 4/15/10

16. Character Archetype:The Hero 4/15/10

17. Character ArchetypesThe Hero There are four types of Hero Archetypes: The Hero Incognito — who, raised by foster parents, searches for his/her true identity The Initiate — who faces and masters frightening challenges and, in doing so, undergoes a rite of passage The Scapegoat — who suffers to atone for everyone else’s sins The Outcast — who is excluded from society for a crime 4/15/10

18. Character Archetype:Hero’s Allies 4/15/10

19. Character ArchetypesThe Hero’s Allies The Hero’s Allies include: The Mentor — a teacher or counselor Protectors — defenders of the hero and the group Companions — loyal friends Animal friends — helpers from nature The benevolent force of nature 4/15/10

20. Character Archetype:Hero’s Adversaries 4/15/10

21. Character ArchetypesThe Hero’s Adversaries The Hero’s Adversaries include: The Force of Evil — Sometimes human, sometimes supernatural Nightmares — frightening visions within the hero’s own mind Monsters, creatures and phantasms The malevolent force of nature 4/15/10

22. Character Archetype:theFeminine 4/15/10

23. Character ArchetypesThe Feminine The Feminine archetypes include: Damsel in distress — woman held prisoner or in danger who must be rescued Lover — who loves intensely, but the love ends in tragedy Enchantress — who tempts the hero and brings on his destruction Earth mother — who provides life, food, warmth, and protection 4/15/10

24. Group 2ArchetypesofPlot 4/15/10

25. Plot ArchetypesThe Journey The Journey – When an Epic story involves a hero’s journey, it’s symbolic of his/her decisions, actions and the results he/she experiences in life. This is the primary plot archetype. The hero searches for truth and learns about himself/herself. Other Plot Archetypes are simply the various parts of The Journey. 4/15/10

26. Plot ArchetypesThe Journey Various parts of The Journey include: The Quest — the search for someone or something to restore goodness The Initiation — the young hero faces challenges and moves toward maturity The Task — circumstances require the hero to complete a task; Herculean efforts save others Good versus evil — the perennial battle The Magic Weapon — used by the hero to defeat evil Death and Rebirth — purification, redemption, and growth 4/15/10

27. Group 3ArchetypesofSymbol 4/15/10

28. What areSymbolArchetypes?

29. Symbol Archetypes Visual symbols that convey meaning to the human psyche in a mysterious, somewhat subliminal way.

30. Do you know what subliminal means?

31. Subliminal Dictionary definition: “existing or functioning below the threshold of consciousness.”

32. Symbol Archetypes Communicate messages that verbal and written information cannot.

33. Symbol Archetypes Hold the same or almost the same meaning for all humankind Occur in cultures so remote that there has been no chance for influence or communication

34. Symbol Archetypes River — Life, the flow of time Wheel — a complete cycle Water — purification, the unconscious Rising sun — birth, beginning Setting sun — death, ending Circle — unity Snake — evil

35. Symbol Archetypes The seasons — life cycle Garden — paradise Tree —life; growth Fire — life; passion, destruction

36. Symbol Archetypes Colors Red — violence, passion Green — growth, hope Blue — truth, security Black — death, evil White — purity, innocence, mystery

37. Symbol Archetypes Numbers 3 — spirituality 4-life cycle — nature 7 — perfect order (3+4)

38. Archetypes are the keys to understandingThe Odyssey By Homer The epic story of a journey — Symbolic of our journey through life. 4/15/10