In Jungian theory, the Outlaw lives for revolution. A rule breaker, this archetype challenges convention and questions the status quo. They are outrageous, shocking, outspoken, radical, reckless, counter-cultural, independent and innovative, and are most fulfilled when they change something to better the world. At times, the Outlaw may be motivated by the desire for revenge, and can be disruptive, dangerous, […]
Continue ReadingArchetypes: the Sage
The Sage archetype is a seeker of truth, wisdom and knowledge. In Jungian theory, the archetype represents the spiritual aspect of the personality and may take different forms of enlightenment and wisdom. The Sage engages in meaningful introspection and self-reflection. The sage is a perfectionist whose weakness is caution and lack of action. At worst, […]
Continue ReadingArchetypes: The Explorer
The Explorer archetype seeks the answers to the questions: Who am I? Why am I here? The Explorer is driven by curiosity to discover new places and new things about themself. The archetype craves novelty and adventure, and is motivated by self-improvement, but has a tendency toward restlessness. The Explorer’s purpose in literature is to […]
Continue ReadingArchetypes: the Shapeshifter
In Jungian psychology, the Shapeshifter expresses the energy of the anima and animus. The animus is the male element of the female unconscious and the anima the female element of the male unconscious. Both male and female elements are essential for survival and a healthy internal balance. For an individual to suppress their anima or animus, […]
Continue ReadingArchetypes: The Trickster
In Jungian psychology, the Trickster resides at the intersection of the subconscious and conscious. The archetype is essential for the individuation of a person, allowing the unconscious to rise to the surface, and the baser instincts to aspire to the divine. He is the collective unconscious that desires change. The Trickster myth occurs widely across various cultures, […]
Continue ReadingArchetypes: The Guardian
In Jungian theory, The Hero must be challenged with new ways (of thinking and being) to develop and progress along the journey. There may be many challenges along the way, all of which are guarded by a gatekeeper, or guardian. This Guardian (also known as Threshold Guardian or Liminal Guardian) is an agent of transformation. […]
Continue ReadingArchetypes: The Shadow
In Jungian psychology, The Shadow archetype (also known as the id) represents the unconscious repressed side of a personality, and is often associated with the dark side, in particular. The Shadow consists of all the emotions and behaviours an individual conceals from the world at large. Such emotions may be negative or otherwise. When hidden, […]
Continue ReadingHeroine vs. Hero: The Journey
‘The holly and the ivy Now both are full well grown, Of all the trees that are in the wood, The holly bears the crown’ (Trad.) Ivy (Hedera helix), clinging and compliant, is associated with the feminine. Used in wreaths for weddings and Christmas, it represents everlasting fidelity, There is a problem with […]
Continue ReadingMyths: Function, Recurrence, Character Roles and Archetypes
The World Tree (axis mundi) is a mytheme or archetype which recurs in many cultures. It is a colossal tree linking heaven with earth and the underworld. In Norse mythology it appears as Yggdrasil, the Mayans called it yax imix che (Blue-Green Tree of Abundance), Buddists have the Bodhi (Bo tree). In other forms it […]
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