ARCHETYPES
The archetypal hero appears in all religions, mythologies, stories, and films. All
archetypal heroes share certain characteristics. Some characteristics shared are
the following:
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Unusual circumstances of birth; sometimes in danger or born into royalty
Leaves family or land and lives with others
An event, sometimes traumatic, leads to adventure or quest
Hero has a special weapon only he can wield
Hero always has supernatural help
The Hero must prove himself many times while on adventure
Hero experiences atonement with the father
There are numerous films which reflect the arachetypal hero.
Unusual Birth Circumstances
Lion King - Simba's birth is being celebrated. The unusual aspect of his birth is
his royal status. His father, Mumfasa, is the King of the Jungle.
Leaves family or land
Braveheart - Wallace leaves family.
Event leads to Adventure or Quest
Star Wars - Luke abruptly began his quest to fight the Empire when
Stormtroopers murder his aunt and uncle. Luke left the farm and never returned,
going on to become a Jedi master.
Special Weapon
Excalibur – King Arthur pulled the sword from the stone and carried Excalibur.
Super Natural Help
Excalibur – King Arthur is helped by Merlin.
Hero Must Prove Himself
Lion King - Simba realizes Scar must be removed and Simba is the only one who
can do it, Simba assumes his proper role as the hero and saves the land from
the evil Scar.
Atonement with Father
Star Wars - Luke consoles his dying father after his father saves Luke and
atones for his own past by killing the Emperor, the leader of the Empire.