No matter where or when you are, as a human being, storytelling forms (literature, mythology, religion…) have influenced our lives and even guided it by connecting us to profound human experiences and emotions. They have that effect through using recurring patterns like characters, situations, and themes that act as universal symbols.
Carl Jung emphasized the importance of archetypes and the fact that these universal symbols tap into the collective unconscious.
Archetypes are a translation of deep common emotions; therefore, they represent a window into the human psyche, shedding light on our desires, fears, and hopes. That’s why storytellers, writers, and filmmakers use archetypes as a narrative framework to craft relatable and memorable narratives.
1~ The Hero: The hero is the character who chooses a noble cause and challenges itself on a journey into the unknown, regardless of the difficulty and the dangers. The hero is not always strong, but they are always brave, acquiring strength throughout the journey.
2~ The Villain: This character represents the embodiment of evil, having qualities like cruelty, selfishness, ambition, and an obscure viewpoint of morality and ethics, or even an absolute carelessness toward those boundaries. Villains can be an individual, group, or even an abstract concept like nature or society.
3~ The Mentor: This wise, experienced, and knowledgeable figure is essential for guiding and shaping the hero’s journey by providing them with the necessary tools, skills, and advice. Most importantly, mentors represent a moral compass for the hero, helping them distinguish between right and wrong.
Archetypes are an essential part of being a human being and the quest for meaning. That’s why understanding and recognizing these patterns in our lives can have a huge impact on our personal growth and our journey toward self-discovery.
