The Archetypes

An archetype is a prototype or model from which something is based. The character archetypes listed here derive from Joseph Campbell's The Hero with a Thousand Faces and are deeply rooted in the myths and legends of many cultures. A significant character's role can often be associated with one of these archetypes, because storytelling is as old as these myths and egends and is how they were handed down to us. Archetypes connect the story to the rich heritage of all storytelling. The most common and useful archetypes are: HERO, MENTOR, THRESHOLD GURDIAN, HERALD, SHAPESSHIFER, SHADOW, ALLY, and TRICKSTER. In chapter “Hero”, the essence of the hero is not bravery or nobility, but self-sacrifice. The mythic hero is one who will endure separation and hardship for the sake of his clan. The hero must pay a price to obtain his goal. The hero's journey during a story is a path from the ego, the self, to a new identity which has grown to include the experiences of the story. The mentor is a character who aids or trains the hero. The essence of the mentor is the wise old man or woman. The mentor represents the wiser and more godlike qualities within us. The mentor's role may be to teach the hero.

Everyone has some weaknesses and flaws and a hero also has it. That's way the hero must learn in order to grow. Other characters besides the protagonist can have heroic qualities. This can be especially true of the antagonist. Heroes can be willing and adventurous, or reluctant. They may be group and family oriented, or loners, and they may change and grow themselves, or act as catalysts for others to grow and act heroic. The hero can be an innocent, a wanderer, a martyr, a warrior, a vengeful destroyer, a ruler, or a fool. But the essence of the hero is the sacrifice he makes to achieve his goal. The mentor may occasionally be the hero's conscience, returning him to the right path after he strays or strengthening him when he weakens. The hero doesn't always appreciate this assistance, of course.

While reading this part, I associated it with 'The Lion King' which I chose as my hero character I thought 'The Lion King' is a story containing many archetypes. Archetypes are patterns or models of literature that reoccur in many stories. They are the hero, death & rebirth of the hero, and the symbolism and associations of water vs. desert. These archetypes can be noticed easily and help things come together. There is many cases of archetypes of characters, situations, and symbolism and associations in the Lion King. They included the heroic qualities of Simba, the spiritual death and rebirth of Simba, and the associations of water and the desert in the story. These archetypes are very important to the story and help give the viewer a better understanding.

Questions

1. Do you think you are hero? Why? What is your motivation to change by yourself?

2. When you watch the 'hero' movie such as SUPERMAN and BATMAN, do you think the heroes are a specializes kine of hero? and Why?

3. What do you think that which part of the archetypes as emanations of the hero do you belone?