ARCHETYPESIntroduction to Beowulf and the Epic Hero

Archetype defined

Very old patterns or images that recur over and over again in literature. They can refer to the characters, symbols, or situations.

Journey/Quest

The journey is one type of archetypal pattern, involving a long, dangerous quest (like Odysseus!) What are these character’s quests?

Characteristics of the Journey:

•Heroes will go on a physical journey

•Heroes will also undergo a journey of change

•The hero is usually reluctant to leave

•There are many trials along the way

•The hero becomes wise about the world and himself /herself because of the journey

•He/She returns home and shares this wisdom

What do these characters have in common?

Archetype: Forbidden Lovers

Characteristics of Forbidden Lovers:

•Lovers are from two opposing groups; they are ‘not supposed’ to be together

•Great obstacles must be overcome for the two to be together

•One lover may have to sacrifice or struggle more than the other to make the relationship work

These?

Archetype:

The Unlikely Hero

Characteristics of Unlikely Heroes:

•Unlikely heroes have mental or physical limitations

•These heroes are usually lacking in one or more of the qualities of a traditional hero (strength, bravery, selfless deeds, etc.)

These?

Archetype: The torn villain

Characteristics of Torn Villains:

•This villain is not entirely evil

•This villain may regret his or her actions

•This villain is usually linked to the hero in some way

And…

King Arthur

Archetype: The epic hero

Characteristics of Epic Heroes:1. Braver, stronger, and smarter than

other humans.2. On a quest for something that is of

great value to him or his people.3. Faces incredibly difficult villains and

dangers.4. Possesses human weaknesses.5. May have divine help.

Values of Society

Archetypes aren’t planned…they occur because they represent qualities and characteristics that a society values.

What do the archetypes we’ve discussed reveal about human values?