epics, myths, heroes, and archetypes an introduction
TRANSCRIPT
Epics, Myths, Heroes, and Archetypes
An Introduction
Characteristics of an epic…
A physically impressive hero of national or historical importanceA vast setting involving much of the physical world and, sometimes, the land of the deadAction such as a mission or quest taken in search of something of value
Continued…Evidence of supernatural forces at workGlorification of the hero at the endRooted in a specific culture or society
What is a myth?
Stories about supernatural beings Handed down orally from one
generation to another
Myths attempt to explain…
NATURE and its processes:Earth’s originThe Heavens? (Sun, moon, stars, etc.)The seasons? (Climate, rain, etc.)Geography? (Oceans, mountains, forests, etc.)
Continued…MAN and historical events:
Man’s originHis life? (Birth, growth, reproduction, death)His victories? (Glory in battle)His defeats? (Misfortunes)His end? (Rewards and punishments)Reality of the human condition
Continued…GOD(S):
Their origin?How many are there?What do they have power over?What are their roles?What are their powers and weaknesses?
What is an archetype?
An original model after which other similar things are
patterned Found in every culture all
over the world
Situational Archetypes:write them ALL down
The QuestThe TaskThe Initiation
The JourneyThe FallDeath and Rebirth
Stage I of the Hero’s Journey
The Departure
Includes The Quest and The Task
The Quest Search for someone or an
objectRestores peace or balance to a society
The Task
A test for the hero
Hero has to perform a super-
human deed
Stage II of the Hero’s Journey
The Initiation
Trials TribulationTransitions into adulthood or another role
Stage III of the Hero’s Journey
The ReturnThe Journey-spiritual discovery The Fall-higher to lower state of being
Death and Rebirth
Shows cycle of nature and life
Character Archetypes
THE HERO: Many traits!
Unusual circumstances of birthLeaves family or landEvent leads to questHas special weapon only he can wieldGets “supernatural” help
Must pass testUsually has a journey and an unhealable woundExperiences atonement with parent(s)Glorified at the end of the quest
Major Character Archetypes:
The InitiatesThe MentorThe Hunting Group of CompanionsThe Friendly BeastThe Evil Figure with the Ultimately Good Heart
The Devil FigureThe TransgressorThe DestroyerThe TricksterThe ScapegoatThe OutcastThe Earth Mother
Character Archetypes Continued…
The InnocentThe TemptressThe Platonic IdealThe Amazon WarriorThe Damsel in DistressCreatures of Nightmares
The Threshold GuardianThe ShadowThe Star-Crossed Lovers
Symbolic Archetypes
Symbolic Archetypes:
Light vs. DarknessWater vs. DesertHeaven vs. HellFire vs. IceNature vs. Mechanistic WorldGood vs. EvilFather vs. Son
Supernatural InterventionUnhealable WoundRitualMagic Weapon
Color Archetypes
Yes, writers of literature and film choose colors
for a reason!
WhitePositive connotations:
Light, innocence, purity, virginityNegative:
Death, terror, supernatural, blinding truth
http://www.starwars.com/databank/organization/stormtroopers/
BlackPositive connotations:
Knowledge, intelligenceNegative:
Evil, sadness, chaos, mystery, death
http://www.starwars.com/databank/character/darthvader/
YellowPositive connotations: hope, happinessNegative connotations: dishonesty, cowardice, deceit, illness
RedPositive connotations:
Love, artistry
Negative:Blood, sacrifice, disorder
Red is also generally associated with STRONG emotions.
BluePositive color associated with serenity, truth, spiritual purity, peace, security, loyalty
GreenPositive associations:
Life, rebirth, growth, hope, fertility, luck
Negative:Death, decay, envy, misfortune
OrangePositive color made from red and yellow; symbolizes hope and passion, energy and balance
http://www.starwars.com/community/news/2002/03/news20020308b.html
BrownEarth tones positively represent nature and ideas of earth, hearth, home, the outdoors, comfort, endurance, simplicity
http://www.starwars.com/databank/species/ewok/eu.html
PurplePositive connotations: wisdom, enlightenment, power, royaltyNegative: cruelty and arrogance
PinkPositive connotations: health, purity, sexuality, pure loveNegative: childish innocence, immaturity
Numeric Symbolism
Yes, numbers can mean something, too!
Significant Numbers:One: complete unityTwo: symbolizes duality (night/day, sun/moon, etc.)Three: associated with Holy Trinity, light, unity
Four: associated with the circle, life cycle, seasons, elements, earth, natureSeven: signifies the union of 3 and 4, which signifies perfect order