Heroes, Journeys, Myths, and Epics
An Introduction
Characteristics of an epic…
A physically impressive hero of national or historical importance
A vast setting involving much of the physical world, and sometimes the land of the dead
Action 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?
Myths are stories about supernatural beings. In early times, they were handed down orally from one generation to another.
Myths attempt to explain…
NATURE and its processes:
Where did earth come from?
What about the heavens? (Sun, moon, stars, etc.)
The seasons? (Climate, rain, etc.)
Geography? (Oceans, mountains, forests, etc.)
Continued…
MAN and historical events:
Where did man come from?
His life? (Birth growth, reproduction, death)
His victories? (Glory in battle)
His defeats? (Misfortunes)
His end? (Rewards and punishments)
Reality of the human condition
Continued…
GODS:
Where did the gods come from?
How many are there?
What do they have power over?
What are their roles?
What are their powers and weaknesses?
What is an archetype?
It is an original model after which other similar things are patterned – these are found in every culture all
over the world.
Situational Archetypes:
The Quest
The Task
The Initiation
The JourneyThe FallDeath and Rebirth
The QuestSearch for someone or an object which,when found,
will restore peace or balance to a society
The TaskPart of the quest that
serves as a test – hero will usually have to perform some super-human deed
The InitiationUsually an initiation into adulthood or some role the hero must take on
The JourneySPIRITUAL journey hero must go through in search of truth – it is a spiritual
or psychological awakening
The FallDescent from a higher to a
lower state of being – usually involves loss of
innocence, banishment, or death
Death and Rebirth
Shows cycle of nature and life
Character Archetypes
THE HERO: Many traits!Unusual circumstances of birth
Leaves family or land
Event leads to quest
Has special weapon only he can wield
Gets “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 Initiates
The Mentor
The Hunting Group of Companions
The Friendly Beast
The Evil Figure with the Ultimately Good Heart
The Devil Figure
The Transgressor
The Destroyer
The Trickster
The Scapegoat
The Outcast
The Creature of Nightmares
Other Character Archetypes:
The Earth Mother
The Innocent
The Temptress
The Platonic Ideal
The Amazon Warrior
The Damsel in Distress
The Threshold Guardian
The Shadow
The Star-Crossed Lovers
Symbolic Archetypes
Symbolic Archetypes:
Light vs. Darkness
Water vs. Desert
Heaven vs. Hell
Fire vs. Ice
Nature vs. Mechanistic World
Good vs. Evil
Father vs. Son
Unhealable Wound
Ritual
Supernatural Intervention
Magic Weapon
Color Archetypes
Yes, writers of literature and film choose colors for a reason!
WhitePositive associations:
Light, innocence, purity, virginityNegative:
Death, terror, supernatural, blinding truth
http://www.starwars.com/databank/organization/stormtroopers/
BlackPositive associations:
Knowledge, intelligence
Negative:
Evil, sadness, chaos, mystery, death
http://www.starwars.com/databank/character/darthvader/
YellowRepresents hope, happiness
Associated with the sun
RedPositive associations:
Love, artistry
Negative:
Blood, sacrifice, disorder
BluePositive color associated with serenity, truth, spiritual purity, peace
GreenPositive associations:
Life, rebirth, growth, hope, fertility
Negative:Death, decay
OrangePositive color made from red and yellow; symbolizes hope and passion
http://www.starwars.com/community/news/2002/03/news20020308b.html
BrownEarth tones positively represent nature
http://www.starwars.com/databank/species/ewok/eu.html
PurpleAssociated with power and royalty
Numeric Symbolism
Yes, these 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, nature
Seven: signifies the union of 3 and 4, which signifies perfect order