ARCHETYPES
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In literary criticism, archetypes are recurring
configurations that appear in myth, religion,
folklore, fantasy, and dreams, as well as in art
and literature; they are used to discuss the
significance of a plot, character, or situation.
Archetypal Figures
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The “Woman
Figure”:
Women are often found in roles of
the Mother Figure who provides
motivation and support;
a Temptress Figure, who
sometimes sexually distracts the
hero from his journey,
a Platonic Ideal Figure who the
hero has eventual happiness with
or of course
the Helper, who guides the hero
on his way.
Women also are in roles of the
Witch using powers for evil or the
Enchantress using powers for
Good.
usually females are not found in
the role of a hero.
The Wise Sage / Guide:
The Sage provides the hero with insight, advice, sometimes
internal or spiritual strength.
Good examples of the Guide are: Merlin the Magician, Obi
Wan Kenobi and Yoda in Star Wars, Rafiki from The Lion
King, and Gandalf from The Lord of the Rings.
The Outcast / Trickster:
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This character usually
takes the blame for
things having gone
wrong.
They pay for the
crimes by banishment
from the social group.
Good examples of the
Outcast are: Judas in
the Bible, Cypher in
the Matrix, and
Gollum
The Adversary / Villain/Devil Figure:
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This character, the perpetual antagonist to the
protagonist, attempts to thwart the hero’s plans and
disrupt his journey; is evil incarnate, greedy, lustful,
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Examples include Darth Vader, Hades in Hercules,
Agent Smith in the Matrix, Scar in The Lion King.
The Hero
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The most common
archetype is of course the
hero who usually
possesses some
extraordinary powers.
However, the common
man can also become
heroic by completing
extraordinary tasks.
Archetypal Themes
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In literature, there are not only archetypal characters,
but also recurring themes from story to story that are
very common
Appearance versus Reality:
This theme underlies many works of literature, and usually
illustrates the idea that all the hero sees is not as it appears to
be. Enemies can appear to be friends, familiar places can be
filled with traps, and even the world itself can be an illusion.
Good versus Evil:
 This is the most common theme in literature,
especially Fantasy literature, where the hero
(or heroes) are pitted against the forces of
evil, and must win several battles
before facing the arch-enemy
in a final battle to save
the world, his love
interest, or his very soul.
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Other Common Themes:
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True Love Conquers All is a common theme where no
matter the obstacles or challenges, a couple will end up being
together in the end.
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Life Always ends in Happily Ever After is a theme
common in fairy tales. Similar to above, despite all the
problems individuals faces, they are able to overcome issues
and face a life of utter happiness.
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Death and Rebirth are part of Life is a
common archetype as one life is lost, another
is created.
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The Fall describes a descent from a higher to a
lower state of being. The experience involves a loss
of innocence, and an expulsion from a kind of
paradise as penalty for disobedience and moral
transgression. The story of Adam and Eve develops
this theme.
Archetypal Symbols
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Light/Dark Imagery
Light usually represents hope, renewal or intellectual
illumination
Darkness implies the unknown, ignorance, or despair.
Water/Desert Wastelands
Water is necessary for life and growth it appears as a birth or
rebirth symbol. Water as an element can also be destructive:
hurricanes, storms, can signify change or conflict.
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The Desert is usually seen as sterile, death-like; many heroes
pass through wastelands in order to gain enlightenment.
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Fire
This element can cleanse or destroy; and is usually associated
with power.
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More Common Symbols
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Heaven/Hell
These extreme places embody the forces that govern the
world and man. Heaven represents the good and the
ultimate reward. Hell represent evil and the ultimate
punishment in death and darkness.
Swords
Swords usually represent strength, dignity, honour and
grace. The man who can exert the power of his sword is
considered master of a craft.
ex. King Arthur’s sword Excalibur, sword used in
Braveheart to mark the freedom of the Scots, etc.
Used from story to story, swords come to represent a
variety of ideas, concepts and identities.
Archetypal Settings
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The Humble Home
Often the first setting observed in many adventure stories. It
is usually the home of the hero and represents the lower
status he starts out with at the beginning of his journey.
These places are usually peaceful, natural, bright and sunny,
and reflect the purity of the hero through his humble
surroundings.
At the end of the story, the hero often returns to his
community but as part of his reward, he may relocate to a
home of higher status
Examples: Kansas in The Wizard of Oz, and the farmhouse in
The Princess Bride
Archetypal Settings
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Fantastic Lands
These faraway lands are different from the original
land where the hero comes from.
Each place can represent something quite different
depending on what stage of the quest the hero is at:
a place of rest, evil, an obstacle, danger, paradise
The hero must pass through these archetypes before
he can emerge victorious at the end of the quest.