Some examples of different literary archetypes
Example: Disney's the Lion King
The father Figure
Mufasa- The archetypal father figure
The father figure archetypal figure is a strong male leader and an example of who the hero/warrior will become. Often very hard and stern on the hero/warrior.
Example: Mufasa is the father figure archetypal figure being that he is the perfect example of a king and teaches Simba his ways until his untimely death.
Example: Mufasa is the father figure archetypal figure being that he is the perfect example of a king and teaches Simba his ways until his untimely death.
The Hero/Warrior
Simba- The archetypal hero/warrior
Usually the main character in an epic, the hero/warrior
archetypal figure is strong, known as a leader, and embarks
on a long journey or quest in which he/she perform impossible
task and learn important lessons.
Example: Simba is the archetypal figure in Disney's The Lion King due to the fact that he must leave home and while away discovers his true destiny. He returns home to battle his uncle and take his rightful place as king.
archetypal figure is strong, known as a leader, and embarks
on a long journey or quest in which he/she perform impossible
task and learn important lessons.
Example: Simba is the archetypal figure in Disney's The Lion King due to the fact that he must leave home and while away discovers his true destiny. He returns home to battle his uncle and take his rightful place as king.
The Wise old Man/Teacher
Rafiki- The archetypal wise old man/teacher
Known for his/her moral qualities, the wise old
man archetypal figure gives insight and shares
wisdom with the hero/warrior figure.
Example: Rafiki is the archetypal figure of the old
man/teacher being that he uses his spiritual influence
to lead and guide Simba to realize his destiny as king.
man archetypal figure gives insight and shares
wisdom with the hero/warrior figure.
Example: Rafiki is the archetypal figure of the old
man/teacher being that he uses his spiritual influence
to lead and guide Simba to realize his destiny as king.
The VILLAIN
Scar- The archetypal villain
The archetype of the villain is a figure who is
determined and wounded which forces them
to act immorally to get what they desire.
Example: In the Lion King, Scar is the archetypal
villain being that he is so overcome with his desire
to be king that he kills his own brother, convinces
to nephew to run away, and lies about the truth.
determined and wounded which forces them
to act immorally to get what they desire.
Example: In the Lion King, Scar is the archetypal
villain being that he is so overcome with his desire
to be king that he kills his own brother, convinces
to nephew to run away, and lies about the truth.
The Good Woman
Nala-The archetypal good woman
Aside the hero/warrior, the good woman
archetypal figure is a strong female figure who
provides support and wisdom while
remaining loyal to the hero/warrior. She often
represents fertility and growth within the story.
Example: In the Lion King, Nala is a loyal friend and
strong support system for Simba. Even after he leaves
and they meet again, she still is loyal to him and encourages
him to return home. She is alway beside Simba in his decisions.
archetypal figure is a strong female figure who
provides support and wisdom while
remaining loyal to the hero/warrior. She often
represents fertility and growth within the story.
Example: In the Lion King, Nala is a loyal friend and
strong support system for Simba. Even after he leaves
and they meet again, she still is loyal to him and encourages
him to return home. She is alway beside Simba in his decisions.
The trickster
The Hyenas- The archetypal ticksters
Often causing trouble, the trickster archetypal
figure is seen as a clown or joking figure.
Example: The hyenas fulfill the archetype of the
trickster being that they cause trouble and are
always joking while doing so.
figure is seen as a clown or joking figure.
Example: The hyenas fulfill the archetype of the
trickster being that they cause trouble and are
always joking while doing so.