What are Archetypes?

Psychologically, whether we realize it or not, we make connections between deeply innate understandings of ideas, known as archetypes, and what we perceive. We may not always be aware of this, however. Regardless, it happens naturally.

Archetypes are ingrained within the collective unconscious of humanity. While most of us don’t know what an archetype is, we don’t need to be able to recognize them. They play an integral part of our everyday lives. Incredibly, they’re in everything that we do. So, what are they?

Symbols

Symbols are kind of like a language without words. We feel them rather than speak them. We understand them in a way we can’t always explain.

Holding meaning that isn’t meant to be interpreted literally, symbols convey a message. For example, a square has four walls and is therefore sturdy. Similarly, a house is symbolic of foundations.

Symbols send certain signals to use and sometimes, we respond. More times than not, we aren’t consciously aware that it happens. For example, the color orange is known to stimulate hunger, which is why you’ll frequently find it inside of fast food chains.

Understanding Archetypes

Archetypes work in the same way as symbols, but they’re even more universal! In fact, they’re so common in our everyday lives that they can seem as mundane as they are magical. Let me give you some insight.

Mother Archetype

For most of us, our own mothers are some of the most important and cherished people alive. She gave us life, nourished us with her body, sacrificing her beauty and youth to shower us with love. To lose a mother feels like losing a part of oneself.

Without question, we can look around a crowd of people and identify which ones are the mothers, but how? She may be kissing booboos, feeding a newborn at her breast, or holding the hand of a toddler she smiles down upon. Maybe she’s waving a child off to school, brushing her teenage daughter’s hair behind her ear, or helping her son tie a tie before she sees him marry his bride, etc.

No one needs to tell us to run to our mothers when we’re children after we fall and scrape our knee. We instinctively know that if we go to our mother, she will comfort us and make us feel better. In many ways, this is learned behavior.

Even when we don’t learn this behavior from others — when we don’t have this as children, we’re still able to recognize what a mother is due to this archetype. As far as I know, all of us were born from a woman’s body. If she doesn’t act the way we’d expect a mother to, it’s because she doesn’t fit the archetype. She’s instead, from our perception, under a different archetype.

Humans, and most other species, are genetically created with a sperm and a zygote (egg). Yet, it is the female’s role to carry the fetus inside of her body until it’s ready for birth. Once it’s born, that mother will oftentimes carry out the role of the archetype, the mother, which we learned above.

This archetype is not limited to, however, only people possessing ovaries or women who have given birth to babies. From aunties to babysitters to those who adopt their children, we instinctively know who our mothers are. She or even he has an unlimited amount of faces, and it’s a tale as old as time.

Archetypes Everywhere

Archetypes are found everywhere! When we watch movies, read books, study history, they’re there. With that being said, every human being knows exactly what they are without ever having to be told.

• The protagonist in every superhero comic book is the archetype of the hero. (Superman).
• The antagonist, who opposes the hero and is often thought of as the villain, is the archetype of the shadow. (Darth Vader).
• The bad boy, who’s typically misunderstood, which everyone still loves due to his charm, is the trickster. (Loki).
• The morally sound guides, who assist the hero on his journey, are called the mentors. (Yoda).
• The artist that is highly focused on their work, giving life to imagination, is known as the creator. (Da Vinci).
• The idealistic and hell or high water relationship partner who would rather die than live without their beloved is called the lover. (Romeo & Juliet).
• The ones who fight for freedom, justice, and stand against oppression is the liberator. (JFK).
• The kid who’s all alone in the world, vulnerable, yet powerful and cannot be stopped is the orphan. (Harry Potter).
• The adventurer, who is wildly curious and isn’t afraid to take risks for life’s experience, is known as the explorer. (Odysseus).
• The one who stands against authority and breaks rules in favor of what they believe to be right is the outlaw. (Robinhood).
• The introspective, philosophical and wise one, who has learned from their mistakes, is called the sage. (Socrates).
• The humorous, satirical, sarcastic one, who alleviates tension and makes laughter out of pain, is what’s called the jester. (Dave Chappelle).
• The innocent, naive, and pure one with a twinkle in their eye is known as the child. (Peter Pan).
• The mighty and brave one who is both mentally determined and physically capable is called the warrior. (Brienne of Tarth).
• The one that has acquired something akin to magic and is an impressive master of their trade is the magician. (Merlin).
• The defiant one who challenges societal norms and shakes things up wherever they go is the rebel. (V for Vendetta).
• The sensitive one who has great compassion for all and acts selflessly is known as the caregiver. (Mother Teresa).

References:

1. “Man and His Symbols” by Carl Jung:
   • This book delves into the significance of symbols in the unconscious mind and explores archetypes as universal symbols found in myths and dreams.
2. “The Hero with a Thousand Faces” by Joseph Campbell:
   • Joseph Campbell’s work explores the hero’s journey archetype found in mythology and folklore, highlighting common themes and symbols across cultures.
3. “Symbolism: Its Meaning and Effect” by Alfred North Whitehead:
   • Whitehead examines the role of symbols in human thought and communication, discussing their meaning and impact on perception and understanding.
4. “The Power of Myth” by Joseph Campbell and Bill Moyers:
   • This book is based on interviews with Joseph Campbell, discussing the universal themes, symbols, and archetypes present in myths from different cultures.
5. “The Book of Symbols: Reflections on Archetypal Images” by Archive for Research in Archetypal Symbolism (ARAS):
   • This reference book explores symbolic imagery and archetypes drawn from art, myths, and dreams, offering insights into their meanings and psychological significance.
6. “The Archetypes and the Collective Unconscious” by Carl Jung:
   • Jung’s work delves into the collective unconscious and the archetypes that shape human behavior and experiences, shedding light on the symbolic patterns that underlie our psyche.