Archetypes

ENGL 111!11 Fa" 2012

Wednesday, November 7, 12

The Hero
In archetypal hero tales, the hero #usua"y a young person identied as having special qualities$ sets out on a journey%either real or metaphorical. The young person does not know what is in store and has probably not made a conscious decision to embark on the quest. Nevertheless, when cha"enges come, the young hero meets and overcomes them, o&e' making some kind of sacrice in exchange for wisdom. A common motif is that help (i" come )om an unexpected source, perhaps )om an older and wiser person, or )o* a supernatural source.

Wednesday, November 7, 12

The Ordinary World

Heroes exist in a world that is considered ordinary or uneventful by those who liv+ there. O&en the heroes are considered odd by those in the ordinary world and possess some ability or characteristic that makes them feel out!of!place. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz: Dorothy in Kansas The Hobbit: Bilbo Ba,ins in Hobbito' Star W ars: Luke Skywalker on Tatooin+ The Lion King: Simba at Pride Roc-

Wednesday, November 7, 12

The Call to Adventure

For heroes to begin their journeys, they must be ca"ed away )om the ordinary world. Fantastic quests dont happen in everyday life. Heroes must be removed )om their typical environment. Most heroes show a reluctance to leave their home, their )iends, and their life to journey on a quest. Usua"y there is a discovery, some event, or some danger that starts them on the heroic path. Heroes nd a mystic object or discover their world is in danger. In some cases, heroes happe' upon their quest by accident. The new world the hero is forced into is much di.erent than th+ old one. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz: The tornado The Hobbit: Gandalf the wizard arrives Star W ars: R2D2s cryptic messag+ Eragon: The discovery of the dragon e,

Wednesday, November 7, 12

Refusal of the Quest

During the Ca" to Adventure heroes are given a task or quest which only they ca' complete. They are faced with a choice: accept the quest or deny it. Their choic+ might seem like a no!brainer. If they dont accept the quest, there wont be much of a story%or wi" there? Actua"y there are stories where heroes dont accept their destinies. When this happens, the stage is set for disaster. Theres a reason why th+ powers!that!be have chosen a particular hero. A refusal of the quest only brings trouble. Star W ars: Luke refuses the quest until he learns his aunt and uncle are dead The Lion King: Simba refuses to return to Pride Rock and accept his destiny until h+ speaks with the spirit of Mufasa

Wednesday, November 7, 12

Entering the Unknown

As they embark on their journey, the heroes enter a world they have never experienced before. Very o&en it is "ed (ith supernatural creatures, breathtaking sights, and the constant threat of death. Unlike the heroes home, this outside world has its own rules, and they quickly learn to respect these rules as their endurance, strength, and mettle are tested time and time again.

Wednesday, November 7, 12

Supernatural Aid
Supernatural doesnt have to mean magical. Supernatural simply means above th+ laws of nature. Heroes are almost always started on their journey by a character (ho has mastered the laws of the outside world and come back to bestow this wisdo* upon them. This supernatural character o&en gives them the means to complete th+ quest. Sometimes the gi& is simply wisdom. In every instance it is something the hero needs to succeed. The job of the supernatural assistant is to give the heroes what they need to nish the quest%not nish it for them. The Hobbit: Gandalf Star W ars: Obi!W an Kenobi Cindere"a: Fairy Godmother

Wednesday, November 7, 12

Talisman
A talisman is a special #and o&en magical$ item that assists #and sometimes hinders$ the hero on his or her quest. The Wizard of Oz: Ruby Slippers The Hobbit: The Ring Star W ars: Lightsaber Pirates of the Caribbean: Captain Jacks compass King Arthur Legends: Excalibur

Wednesday, November 7, 12

Allies & Helpers

Every hero needs a helper, much like every superhero needs a sidekick. Without th+ assistance of their companions and helpers along the way, most heroes would fail miserably. Lord of the Rings: Samwise Gamge+ The Wizard of Oz: The Tin Man, Scarecrow, and Cowardly Lio' The Lion King: Timon and Pumba Mulan: Mushu

Wednesday, November 7, 12

Tests & The Ordeal

The heroes progress through a series of tests, a set of obstacles that make them stronger, preparing them for their nal showdown. At long last they reach the Supreme Ordeal, the obstacle they have journeyed so far to overcome. A" the heroes training and toil comes into play now. The journey has hardened them, and its time for them to show their prowess. Once this obstacle is overcome, the tension wi" be relieved. The worst is passed, and the quest, while not o/cia"y over, has succeeded. Star W ars: Blowing up the Death Star Lord of the Rings: Mount Doo* The Wizard of Oz: Defeating the Wicked Witch

Wednesday, November 7, 12

Examples from Nightmar+

What is Jack Ske"ingtons role? What is his ca" to adventure? A"ies or helpers? What roles to the other characters "? What is Jacks supreme ordeal? Vi"ain?

Wednesday, November 7, 12