Introduction

Carl Jung, the legendary depth psychologist, is known for having conceived the concept of archetypes. He theorised that much like our physical being, our minds, too, have a certain anatomy that can be dissected and studied with consistency.

Throughout his career, Jung identified a number of archetypes as derived from mythology from around the globe – a total of 12 (which I will endeavour to cover in time). However, there exist many more archetypes which have not been formally noted by Jung.

Before I continue, I’d like to clarify the distinction between archetypes and stereotype, as they are different things but can be easily confused.

As such, archetypes represent innate primordial symbols or patterns that can be recognised by people irrespective of culture or time period, this is so because archetypes have their root in the collective unconscious psyche, which, according to Jungian thought, is a part of the mind that underpins our consciousness and from which important and powerful psychic drives emerge.

Stereotypes on the other hand, represent generalised and fixed ideas about something or someone in particular. So, while archetypes are universal and broad patterns of thought deeply embedded in our psyches, stereotypes are narrow and fixed projected ideas that are culturally derived.

Archetypes are important precisely because they are so deeply embedded in our collective unconscious psyche. They represent powerful entities within our psyche that influence how we see the world and how we conduct ourselves throughout our lives. This is not to mention the fact that they also serve as an universal link between people on earth.

It’s for this reason that when certain archetypes are encountered, we are provided with meaning and inspiration. Practically every form of media relies on the expression of archetypes to engage the audience. A common archetype found in various media is the Hero; it is he who stands at the centre of the Hero’s journey (think Frodo in Lord of the Rings, Neo in The Matrix, and Simba in the Lion King).

With that being said, in today’s post I’ll cover three common archetypes that have been frequently depicted in the past and the present.

The hero archetype

As I’ve mentioned previously, the hero is a frequently occurring archetype found throughout the mythology of the world, irrespective of time. The hero archetype represents a masculine ideal as dictated by tradition. These traditional heroes, think Hercules or Gilgamesh, are brave, ambitious, and often moral. Nevertheless, the common hero is often innocent and naïve when he first sets out on his quest – rarely are heroes born invulnerable.

The hero that has not yet embarked on the hero’s journey represent a character that is driven by good-faith but is yet undeveloped. Thus, the hero must undergo this essential transformation, one spurred on by the perils and treasures of the hero’s journey. After all, a hero that is unsuccessful in fulfilling his quest is no hero at all.

The hero believes that his destiny is to slay the dragon in order to claim its hoard of gold – It’s this treasure that the hero claims for the benefit of all mankind (as was the case with Prometheus when he stole the fire from the gods).

The hero’s journey

The hero’s journey starts when the hero is summoned by the king who finds that his kingdom in decline. The hero is given the task to undertake a quest that involves the slaying of a dragon. This must be accomplished in order to save the people from the dragon’s reign of terror.

Unbeknownst to himself, the hero is usually initially naïve. However, by virtue of his good faith does the hero win the confidence of benevolent spirits. Thus, he is often aided and accompanied by several magical guardians which have their origin in places of mystery such as the forest. Invariably, these guardians are often portrayed as distinct archetypes and are in possession of great powers which are taught to the hero in order to help him achieve his goal.

At a certain stage within the hero’s journey, the hero’s naivete is obliterated as he experiences his first defeat against the forces of evil. Upon this defeat, which is both physical and psychological in nature, he experiences a devastating ego deflation that robs him of his spirit and ability to undertake his quest. This part of the journey is represented by the hero’s descent into the underworld (Hades).

in psychological terms, the descent into the underworld represents a withdrawal into the unconscious mind where one’s figurative demons are encountered. It is here that the hero’s true mettle is tested. Only the enduring hero is able to undergo a metamorphosis into something greater.

According to Jung in the Mysterium Coniunctionis, volume 14:

In myths the hero is the one who conquers the dragon, not the one who is devoured by it. And yet both have to deal with the same dragon. Also, he is no hero who never met the dragon, or who, if he once saw it, declared afterwards that he saw nothing. Equally, only one who has risked the fight with the dragon and is not overcome by it wins the hoard, the “treasure hard to attain.” He alone has a genuine claim to self-confidence, for he has faced the dark ground of his self and thereby has gained himself.

As stated above, upon the slaying of the dragon, the hero is able to claim the hoard of gold. In psychological terms, this is the treasure that represents the essential wisdom in life that is purchased through adversity and strife. It is this same wisdom that differentiates between the naivete of the young fool and the sagacity of the old man. In short, words are cheap; it is one’s actions that shape one’s character.

How this archetype influences us

The hero archetype is the symbolic embodiment of a drive that impels us to leave behind what we know in order to seek greater things, for the benefit for ourselves and mankind at large. This drive is characterised by a persistent feeling that there is more to life, if only one dares to look for it. The hero within us implores to sacrifice our pleasure and comfort in order to seek those hard-to-attain treasures.

Each and every one of us will hear the call to adventure at some point in our lives. So, if you sense that the hero within you is restless and stirring, you’d do best to heed his call.

The magician archetype

The magician represents an archetype that is associated with power and technical skill. The root word of magician itself comes from the Persian-derived word magush, from which the word magus is derived. Historically the magi represented members of a learned and priestly class that was well-respected in ancient times.

Similarly, the magician archetype is characterised by his desire to accumulate esoteric knowledge in order to exploit and transform his surroundings. He is a master of psychology, spirituality, as well as technology and resides at the intersection of these disciplines. By virtue of his multi-mastery of different realms, he is often anointed to be a healer and initiator – indeed, magicians are shamans.

Unlike what drives the hero, the magician’s primary drive is not one of a moral origin. Though magicians are usually governed by ethics (not all, though), their desire to learn and apply esoteric knowledge is to garner power, usually in pursuit of the truth, as is the case with philosophers. Usually, merely possessing the ability to control this power is enough for the practicing magician, which is why many magicians in mythology are reclusive and reluctant to involve themselves in the socio-political climate of the kingdom.

Considering the important role that the magician plays in the world and within the theatre of the mind, this is another archetype that is well-characterised in the folklore of many cultures of yore and the modern day. A well-known historical variant of the magician archetype is embodied by the magician Merlin from the legend of King Arthur.

How this archetype influences us

The magician is one who is able to transform the physical world by virtue of his inherent esoteric wisdom. As an innate archetype, the magician represents the ambition that impels us to gather knowledge, wisdom, and technical skill as a means to gain power and standing in the world. It is the same drive that finds joy in the mastery of tools and technology

Without this drive, humanity would not be where it is now, as magicians are the drivers of advancement through technological mastery. Indeed, the scientists and engineers of today embody the modern-day equivalent of the magician archetype.

So, the magician, unsatiated in his ever-ongoing search for more knowledge and wisdom, keeps on inventing spells and potions to transform not only himself, but also the universe around him. It’s here that the adage ’as above, so below’ originates.

The trickster archetype

The trickster archetype is one that that is cloaked in ambiguity and potential. The trickster represents the wild-card that pulls the rug from under people’s feet. His purpose is to overthrow the status quo and to reveal the true nature of the situation by warping one’s perspective.

Tricksters throughout the ages have revealed the injustices and inconsistencies faced in society and life in general. Whereas the majority of people are enslaved by routine and habit, the trickster in consumed in his desire to turn the world upside down – after all, some men just want to watch the world burn.

But, it is by the wisdom of the phoenix that the trickster ministers his justice. The chaos and destruction that the trickster leaves in his wake through his pranks and stratagems have the powerful ability to expose the inner-workings of the ill-functioning status quo, thereby ultimately leading society to goodness and growth.

A real-life portrayal of the trickster archetype is the historical court jester. This was a profession practised in Europe during the medieval period. Although the court jester was employed as a means to provide entertainment to guests and the like, court jesters were often also skilled truth-tellers in a time where the governing power had sovereign authority. Whereas no-one could violate the authority of the king without deathly repercussions, the court jester in his folly would freely administer to the king bitter-truths about himself and his kingdom.

The significance of the role of the trickster cannot be understated as eventually every system is bound to become outdated and obsolete. In situations like these, the trickster’s chaotic yet rejuvenating abilities are essential to ward-off stagnation and to promote growth.

How this archetype influences us

The principle function of the trickster archetype is represented by the inversion of the current dominant psychological state. The aim is to overthrow what we currently think we know and to point out the inconsistencies in our thought patterns. The ambiguity and recklessness of the fool is the only remedial agent to the obstinacy of the magician’s sagacity.

At times, however, the fool truly is a fool – he is immature and disruptive, much to the dismay of those around him. Yet, by virtue of his craft he is also able to transform the status quo positively, making him a sage. Nevertheless, we’re in great need of the trickster, for it is all too often that we fall into patterns of rigid and dogmatic thinking. It’s especially in moments like these that the loose spirit of the fool serves as a potent panacea.

Conclusion

Archetypes play an important role in the way we act and look at the world around us. Our unique personalities are shaped by what we find personally meaningful. In that vein, the archetypes that we interact with in the world drive our psychological growth.

With this in mind, we can venture out into the world and be conscious of the specific symbols and patterns that inspire us. After all, our personal progress will be a lot swifter and smoother when we understand what it is we are looking for. Archetypes can be crucial guiding posts in an otherwise seemingly guideless world.