Mythological Archetypes

Book excerpt: The concept of an archetype is found in areas relating to behavior, modern psychological theory, and literary analysis. An archetype can be: 1.a statement, pattern of behavior, or prototype which other statements, patterns of behavior, and objects copy or emulate; 2.a Platonic philosophical idea referring to pure forms which embody the fundamental characteristics of a thing; 3.a collectively-inherited unconscious idea, pattern of thought, image, etc., that is universally present in individual psyches, as in Jungian psychology; 4.or a constantly recurring symbol or motif in literature, painting, or mythology (this usage of the term draws from both comparative anthropology and Jungian archetypal theory). In various seemingly unrelated cases in classic storytelling, media etc. characters or ideas sharing similar traits can be found. In the first sense, many more informal terms are frequently used instead, such as "standard example" or "basic example," and the longer form "archetypal example" is also found. In mathematics, an archetype is often called a "canonical example." Throughout mythology, history, literature and prose; archetypes are used to relate the human condition and the struggles of life. Mythology in particular has evolved around the use of archetypes. These archetypes often develop into belief systems and religions across cultures. From Shakespeare to Carl Jung and the Bible to Star Wars - the archetype is present. Knowledge of these archetypes is essential to personal development and self-actualization as the reader will become aware of the simple nature of complex myths and how they affect belief systems and cultures.