archetypes Flashcards
hero is spirited away as young man and reared by foster strangers. He later returns to his home and heritage where he is a stranger who sees new problems and new solutions
young man from province
vulnerable woman who must be rescued by the hero. often used as bait to trap hero.
damsel in distress
woman is a source of inspiration and spiritual ideal, for whom the protagonist or author has an intellectual rather than physical attraction
platonic ideal heroine
symbolic of fruition, abundance and fertility, traditionally offers spiritual and emotional nourishment to those whom she comes in contact with. resembles someone with child bearing capabilites
spiritual earthmother
hero/heroines who prior to their quest must endure some training and ceremony. usually innocent and where white
initiaites
serves as a teacher/counselor to initiate. works as role model or father/mother figure
mentor
evil incarnate, offers worldly goods, fame, or knowledge to protagonist in exchange for soul
devil figure
figure who is banished from a social group for some crime against his fellow man. destined to become wanderer
outcast
animal/human whose death in a public ceremony and lifts some taint/sin on community. death makes them more powerful than in life
scapegoat
loyal companions willing to face any # of perils in order to be together to support the hero
hunting group of companions
individuals who are somewhat servants who are heroic themselves. duty is to protect hero and reflect nobility if hero
loyal retainers
monster summoned from deepest darkest part of human psyche to threaten hero/heroine.
monster of nightmare
describes search for someone or something which when brought back will restore fertility/peace to land.
quest
takes form if initiation into adult life. adolescent comes into maturity with new awareness and problems along with new hope for community . often climax of story
initation
Save kingdom-win fair lady. must preform nearly superhuman deed. hero must complete multiple of these before completing quest
task
actual ceremonies that initiate experiences that will mark rite of passage into another state. provide clear sign post for characters role in society as well as our own position in world.
ritual
send hero in search for some truth of info to restore fertility to kingdom. hero must discover worst faults and once at his lowest point must accept personal responsibility to return to world of living.
journey
describes descent from higher to a lower state of being. involves defilement/loss of innocence. accompanied by expulsion from paradise for disobedience
the fall
