Guided Notes – Archetypes and the Hero’s Quest
Every Trip is a Quest (HRLLP Ch. 1)
 _____________________: young man (typically) who goes on a journey of some sort
 __________________________: leave home and go out into the big bad world
 ______________________________: search for holy grail, save the princess, save the kingdom from
certain annihilation!
 __________________________________: All the mini-battles the hero fights along the way
 The Real Reason to Go: _______________________________________!!!
****Heroes can go on many types of journeys. They can be a quest for: identity, vengeance, love, the holy
grail, search for knowledge, a journey to save his people, or a tragic quest which is penance for something they
think they did wrong or did do wrong. It can also be an epic journey which occurs over a long period of time,
usually years/decades of a hero’s life, like Harry Potter.
What are epics and archetypes?
Epic: An _________________________________ in elevated (fancy) language, celebrating the feats of
a ____________________________________________
Archetype: ____________ that commonly appear in stories no matter what culture they come from.
Archetypes can apply to ________ of a story, ___________ in a story, and __________ of a story.
Character Archetypes: Patterns depicted in characters of stories
The Hero: protagonist whose life is depicted through a series of ____________________. Usually he
has an unusual birth, will have to leave his kingdom to go on some journey, and returns to his home a
changed person. He is very ___________________________, and risks his life for the good of all.
Examples: Hercules, Aragorn, Lancelot, Wolverine
Types of Hero
_____________________________: Strong, good-looking, noble, skilled in many areas, live by
personal codes of honor, first to jump in and save the day, love the acclaim
Antihero: the exact opposite of a traditional hero; reluctant to help, lacks _______________________,
is physically and mentally weak. Also called a Byronic hero.
Tragic Hero: main character in a ____________ who makes and __________ that leads to his/her
downfall
Unsung hero: Heroes who do not get ___________ for their great deeds and go _____________ by
society.
Super hero: Heroes who have some sort of ________________________________ that aides them in
their tasks
Other Character Archetypes
____________________________: The Hero returns home to find that he is a stranger who can see new
problems and new solutions. Example: The Prodigal Son
Mentor: The mentor is an _____________ teacher to the Hero. He is sometimes viewed as a father
figure. He gives the Hero gifts, food, magic, information, help, etc. Example: Morpheus from the
Matrix, Obie one from Star Wars.
Mentor-pupil-relationship: The mentor ____________ the pupil skill in order to survive his journey
Hunting Group of Companions (side-kicks): ___________________ to the Hero who are willing to face
hardships with him on his journey. Example: Hans Solo from Star Wars, Ron and Hermione from Harry
Potter
_________________________: A worthy opponent with whom the hero must fight in the end.
Example: Darth Vader, Voldemort, The Matrix, Pride, Jealousy
Creature of Nightmare: A monster (literally or figuratively) that
_________________________________ of the Hero and his companions. Example: Cyclops from The
Odyssey, the shark from Jaws
The Damsel in Distress: A woman (usually) who needs to be ______________________________.
She is often used to trap the hero. Example: Princess Fiona from Shrek, Sleeping Beauty
_______________: A woman whose beauty attracts the hero and brings about his downfall or gets him
off course on his journey.
________________________________: These are patterns in plots of stories
The journey: The journey sends the hero in search of ___________________ that will help him save
himself and/or his kingdom.
Stages of a Hero’s journey (____________):
Stage 1: _________________: the Hero is called (or forced) to adventure, although he is reluctant to
accept
Stage 2: Initiation: The hero crosses a ________________ into a new, more dangerous world, where he
gains more perspective in life
Stage 3: The Road of Trials: The Hero is given supernatural aide, endures tests of strength,
_________________________, and endurance.
Stage 4: The Innermost Cave: The Hero descends into the _____________________ and is reborn in
some way, either physically or mentally (this is the final stand-off between good and evil)
Stage 5: _______________________: The Hero returns home and restore order to his kingdom
Other Situational Archetypes
The Task: The nearly _____________________ feats the Hero must perform in order to help himself or
his kingdom.
The Fall: The descent from a higher to lower state of being, usually as a ____________________ for
screwing up (going from god-like to man)
Death and Rebirth: The most common situational archetype. Basically the Hero ___________
someway (figuratively or literally) and is ______________.
________________________________________: When the hero, usually a symbol of goodness,
battles an evil character. USUALLY, good triumphs over evil, thus showing man’s eternal optimism.
_______________________: Patterns of symbols in stories
Wisdom vs. Stupidity: Some characters have _________________ while others, who are usually in
charge and make tons of ________________, do not. These people accompany the hero on his journey
to give him advice.
___________________________________: When spiritual beings intervene on behalf of the hero.
The Underworld: A place of death where the hero ___________________________ or a great
challenge during his journey.
Haven vs. Wilderness: A haven is a _________________________ which is typically contrasted to the
wilderness, ______________________. Heroes are often sheltered from the wilderness during their
journey.
The Crossroads: A place or time of __________________ when a realization is made and a change
occurs in the Hero.
The Whirlpool: Symbolizes the destructive power of _________________________
Fog: Symbolizes uncertainty
Colors:
Red: Blood, ____________________, passion
Green: __________________, hope, fertility
_____________: Highly positive, security, tranquility, spiritual purity
Black: darkness, chaos, mystery, ____________________, evil
White: light, purity, ______________________, timelessness
___________________: Wisdom, enlightenment