Heroic Archetypes

HEROIC ARCHETYPES The Hero can fit one or more of the following archetypes. He can be multiple archetypes at the same time, or he can transform into other archetypes during the course of his journey. Heroes may change and grow themselves, or act as catalysts for others to grow and change and act heroic. The essence of the Hero is not bravery or nobility, but self-sacrifice. The Hero will endure separation and hardship for the sake of his clan. He must pay a price to achieve his goal The heart of the story of the Hero’s journey is not the obstacles he faces, but the new wisdom he acquires. There are 12 hero archetypes. *INNOCENT (also known as “The Initiate”) An archetype of childhood, the young would-be hero represents hope, the promise of a new beginning and a bright future. He can be impulsive or precocious, and sometimes rushes to face dragons or join quests he is not yet ready to vanquish on his own. His “shadow self” could cause him to digress into an Outcast or a Fool due to failed expectations or bitter disappointments. *ORPHAN (also known as “The Young Man from the Provinces”) Also known as the wounded child, this would-be hero hold memories of past trauma, abuse, and/or neglect. Such a past can lead to dysfunctional relationships and a tendency for selfpity and refusal of personal responsibility later in life. The Orphan can, however, become positively transformed into a Warrior, Seeker, Ruler, or Sage when awakened to a deep sense of compassion, independence, and forgiveness. * * These first two archetypes are of the hero’s childhood. * * Much of the hero’s journey (and how he completes it) depends upon the manner in which he begins his journey. The end is often determined by the beginning. CAREGIVER (Mother-figure) The life-giver and source of nurture and nourishment, the Caregiver will often sacrifice her own life for those under her protection. This archetype is particularly important in the life of the developing hero (child archetype), and unhealthy relationships between this archetype and those under her care can lead her to digress into her shadow form-devourer, abuser, or abandoner. LOVER (sometimes known as “Star-crossed Lover”) This archetype represents great passion and devotion, demonstrating a sense of unbridled and exaggerated affection and appreciation of the person or thing around which his or her life is organized. This individual is strongly represented by attractive physical appearance. A fear of losing that which he/she loves may cause the Lover to digress into his/her shadow archetype, the “Star-crossed” or “Ill-fated” Lover, resulting in self destruction. When the Lover turns his/her exaggerated affection inward towards himself, he runs the risk of becoming a Don Juan or womanizer (or for the female, a temptress), causing him/her to harm others. RULER (King, Emperor, Chief, Czar, Leader) This archetype possesses the intense need to rule and exert control over his kingdom. He represents the height of human power (and can have “godly” or divine parentage), and, at his best, feels a deep sense of responsibility and obligation toward the people he rules and protects. Both extreme benevolence and extreme cruelty are associated with this archetype. The proud Ruler may digress to tyrant, dictator, or destroyer with his resistance to criticism or rebellion against any challenges to his authority. WARRIOR (Father, Protector, Soldier, Knight, Mercenary, Gunslinger, Samurai) The archetype represents physical strength and the ability of (usually) the male to protect, defend, and vindicate. He is linked to the very male traits of loyalty and invincibility, of toughness of will and endurance of spirit. The warrior will sometimes allow distractions (damsels, pride, greed, anger, revenge, etc.) to sway him from the quest at hand, or even destroy himself and/or those he has sworn to protect. SEEKER (Nomad, Wanderer, Pilgrim, or Vagabond) This archetype refers to one who searches on a path that may begin with earthly curiosity (or fearful anticipation) but that has at its core the search for God and spiritual enlightenment. He is in search of truth wherever it may be found, and may become so infatuated with the ritual of searching that he digresses into his shadow archetype, one who wanders aimlessly, a “lost soul” disconnected from both people and purpose. SAGE (Wise Old Man/Wise Old Woman, Seer, Prophet, Ancient One, Master) This archetype teaches not only the beliefs and practices of a culture or religion, but also the overreaching principle of seeing God in every aspect of life. He establishes a continual pattern of devotion to teaching others his/her spiritual insights. His sense of self-discipline and life-long devotion to study develop over time into wisdom and maturity, but there is a danger for these individuals to selfishly use knowledge for power and control, causing them to digress into shadow archetypes like destroyers or devil figures. MAGICIAN (Sorcerer, Mystic, Wizard) This archetype seeks to convert some form of matter into an altered expression of itself. Though not a Creator, the magician produces results outside the normal laws of nature. He seeks heightened spiritual, intellectual and physical enlightenment, and transformation. If he attempts to become godlike and a Creator, this archetype may digress through abuse of power into trickster, destroyer, or devil figure. CREATOR (God/Goddess, or in modern myths, Inventor/Mad Scientist) Representing the ultimate in male dominance, this archetype can either be compassionate to his creation, willing to use his powers or the “boon” (transformation of consciousness) obtained from his own journey to help others out of love for humanity. Or he can easily become a dictator, despot, or even a destroyer (the shadow archetype of the creator) as he uses his creative powers to benefit only himself. OUTLAW/OUTCAST (Ranger, Rogue, Pirate, Anarchist, Revolutionary/Loner) Outlaw: This archetype breaks free of old tribal patterns and traditional molds, usually as a result of negative past experiences, wounds, or disappointments. He may reject accepted social, political, or religious systems that fail to serve his needs. He may progress to a legitimate seeker of truth, warrior-protector, or wise ruler IF he can temper his need for nonconformity and individuality. If not, he may digress to reject authority simply for the sake of rebellion (“rebel without a cause”). Outcast: This archetype has been banished from a local group for some crime, either real or imagined. FOOL (Jester, Simpleton, Clown, Mime, Buffoon) This archetype is associated with three characteristics: making people laugh, making people cry, or wearing a mask that disguises his “real” self. The Fool can cross boundaries of social acceptance, often representing what the general public would like to say or do themselves, but fear to dare. He is allowed entry into powerful circles because his antics lead people to not take him seriously, and as a result he gains knowledge akin to that of a Sage. Sometimes other heroes will pretend to be Fools in order to obtain information necessary for their journeys. The Fool must guard against the temptation for cruelty, blackmail, or betrayal.