Fantasy Mindscape:
Breathing Life into Characters Through Psychology
15. Archetypes
Archetypes are a foundational concept in literature that transcend cultural, geographical, and temporal boundaries. These universal symbols, themes, and character types find particularly fertile ground in the genre of epic fantasy. Rooted in the psychology of Carl Jung, archetypes tap into the collective unconscious, the shared set of ideas and emotions that are common to humanity across the ages.
This enables authors to create characters, situations, or entire storylines that feel both novel and intimately familiar to the reader. When an archetype like “the Hero’s Journey” or “the Wise Old Mentor” is employed, it evokes a deeply ingrained emotional or intellectual response, often instilling the story with a sense of gravity and resonance that is immediately understood, even if subconsciously.
In the realm of epic fantasy, archetypes can serve multiple functions. They can provide a template for character development, allowing for more accessible and instantly recognizable characters without the need for an exhaustive backstory. For instance, a “Chosen One” character archetype can save an author from having to explain why this particular individual is central to the story’s events; the archetype itself carries that weight.
Moreover, archetypes can structure not just characters but also situations, themes, and even entire worlds. The “Battle between Good and Evil” is an archetype that could serve as the overarching framework within which the narrative unfolds. By utilizing such archetypes, an author can focus on adding unique spins or complexity to a familiar template, thus making the story engaging while remaining relatable.
However, the power of archetypes comes with a caveat. They must be employed carefully to avoid clichés or over-simplification. Because they are so well-known, archetypes can lead to predictability if not handled with nuance and originality. It’s essential for the writer to breathe new life into these age-old templates, adding layers of complexity or subverting expectations to create something that feels both familiar and refreshingly new. In this way, archetypes can act as both a tool and a challenge for the fantasy writer, offering a pathway to create stories that are deeply resonant yet richly original.
Psychological Basis for Archetypes
Carl Gustav Jung, one of the most influential figures in the field of psychology, introduced the idea of the collective unconscious, a realm of the mind separate from individual experience and consciousness. According to Jung, this collective unconscious is a reservoir of shared experiences, symbols, and archetypes that have been accumulated over the history of the human species.
It’s a universal database, so to speak, that everyone taps into, whether knowingly or unknowingly. Archetypes, in Jung’s theory, are these primordial images or patterns that emanate from the collective unconscious. They act as lenses through which we view and interpret the world, shaping our experiences, dreams, and even our cultural myths and narratives.
Jung identified several archetypes, including the Hero, the Shadow, the Anima and Animus, and many more. These archetypes serve as templates that have been endlessly adapted and nuanced in myths, stories, and individual psyches across time and cultures. In essence, they offer a psychological shorthand, instantly imbuing a situation or character with layers of meaning and complexity.
When we encounter these archetypes in literature, religion, or folklore, they resonate because they echo these universal patterns embedded in our collective unconscious. These are not learned or consciously perceived, but are instinctive and inherently understood, allowing for an immediate emotional and intellectual engagement.
Because of their universal nature, archetypes find themselves embedded in all sorts of narratives, but they hold a particular affinity with the realm of epic fantasy. In such grand tales that often tackle the fundamental questions of good and evil, life and death, and destiny and free will, archetypes provide an intuitive framework for both the author and the reader.
For example, the archetype of “The Hero’s Journey,” first analyzed by mythologist Joseph Campbell, can be traced in countless fantasy sagas, from Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings” to J.K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter” series. This widespread applicability is a testament to the theory’s intrinsic ability to transcend cultural and temporal barriers.
However, it’s crucial to note that while archetypes serve as a useful foundation, they shouldn’t become limiting constraints. Modern interpretations often see archetypes as flexible and dynamic rather than rigid categories. Writers can breathe life into these ancient patterns by contextualizing them in fresh narratives, twisting expectations, and developing them in unexpected ways. They can be molded, inverted, or even shattered, so long as the essence of the archetype, its emotional and psychological truth, remains intact.
Jung’s concept of archetypes derived from the collective unconscious offers a robust tool for understanding not just individual psychology but also the narratives that societies create. These archetypes serve as a bridge between the deeply personal and the universally human, making stories resonate on a primal level. They give authors a powerful vehicle to explore complex themes and characters, offering a balance between the universally familiar and the uniquely imaginative.
The Hero with a Thousand Faces
Joseph Campbell, a renowned mythologist, expanded upon Carl Jung’s groundbreaking work on archetypes and the collective unconscious to develop the concept of “The Hero’s Journey.” In his seminal work “The Hero with a Thousand Faces,” Campbell delineated a universal narrative template that he argued could be found in myths, stories, and even religious texts across various cultures and epochs. This pattern comprises several stages, including the call to adventure, the threshold crossing, various trials, and the hero’s return, and it serves as an enduring schema for storytelling that resonates deeply with human experience and psychology.
The ubiquity of the Hero’s Journey in global mythologies suggests that this narrative pattern taps into something fundamental about the human condition, echoing Jung’s idea of a shared collective unconscious. The journey typically begins with the “call to adventure,” where the hero is drawn out of their ordinary world into an extraordinary one.
They may initially refuse the call but are often compelled by some external force, be it a mentor or an unexpected event, to cross the threshold into the unknown. What follows are a series of trials, helpers, and revelations that test and transform the hero, culminating in some form of death and rebirth, literally or metaphorically, and finally leading to the hero’s return to the ordinary world, transformed and bearing gifts—either wisdom, an elixir, or some form of societal healing.
Campbell’s Hero’s Journey has been adapted and modified in various ways but its core remains an invaluable tool for understanding the structure and resonance of stories, particularly in the realm of epic fantasy. The model has become almost a staple, explicitly or implicitly guiding the narrative arcs of countless fantasy heroes, from Frodo Baggins in “The Lord of the Rings” to Harry Potter. These characters leave their ordinary worlds, face enormous trials that test their courage and integrity, and eventually return, irrevocably changed. Their journeys allow readers to engage in a form of catharsis, grappling with their own fears, struggles, and transformations vicariously through these characters.
Yet, it’s essential to recognize that while the Hero’s Journey serves as a useful template, it’s not a prescriptive formula. Some of the most engaging stories are those that subvert or challenge this pattern in creative ways. Modern storytellers often play with the elements, deconstruct the archetype, and in doing so, contribute to its ongoing evolution. For example, anti-heroes or reluctant heroes might muddy the moral waters, pushing the boundaries of what it means to be a “hero” and challenging readers to grapple with their own ethical assumptions.
Joseph Campbell’s concept of the Hero’s Journey offers an archetypal story structure that resonates universally, allowing both writers and readers to explore the complexities of human experience. It serves as both a touchstone and a springboard, providing a shared narrative architecture while leaving ample room for innovation and individual interpretation. Whether adhered to or subverted, its lasting impact on storytelling across cultures and times attests to its deep-rooted connection to the human psyche and the collective unconscious that Jung first theorized.
The Seven Basic Plots
The concept of “The Hero’s Journey” and the “Seven Basic Plots,” as identified by British author Christopher Booker in his book “The Seven Basic Plots: Why We Tell Stories,” are both frameworks that seek to identify universal structures in storytelling. Both theories argue that the power of stories lies in their ability to tap into fundamental human experiences, concerns, or psychological archetypes. While they approach the subject matter from slightly different angles and categorizations, there are many points of convergence, illustrating how deeply interconnected these universal storytelling elements are.
Booker’s Seven Basic Plots are: Overcoming the Monster, Rags to Riches, The Quest, Voyage and Return, Comedy, Tragedy, and Rebirth. Several of these can be seen as specific instances or variations of Campbell’s more generalized Hero’s Journey. For example, “The Quest” and “Voyage and Return” are clearly closely related to the Hero’s Journey, each involving a departure from the known world, trials, and tribulations in unknown realms, and a return home, enriched and transformed. In “Overcoming the Monster,” too, the hero often leaves the familiar world to face great evil and returns victorious, aligning closely with Campbell’s framework. Even “Rags to Riches” can be framed as a Hero’s Journey of internal transformation, albeit one focused more on personal success and status rather than a higher cause or moral development.
However, it’s worth noting that while the Hero’s Journey is often optimistic, focusing on growth and transformation, Booker’s categorizations allow for darker outcomes, like “Tragedy,” where the protagonist’s flaws lead to their undoing. This provides a broader range of human experience, capturing not just the transformative power of trials but also the potential for failure and downfall. Both frameworks also recognize the importance of cyclical elements — for Campbell, it’s the return to the ordinary world, whereas several of Booker’s plots, like “Rebirth” and even “Tragedy,” emphasize the cyclical nature of human experience.
Comedy and Tragedy, two of Booker’s basic plots, are perhaps less easily aligned with the Hero’s Journey, but they too tap into universal human experiences — the drive towards societal cohesion and the perils of hubris, respectively. In this sense, both Booker’s and Campbell’s frameworks aim to encompass the complexities and paradoxes of human life. The Hero’s Journey often incorporates comedic and tragic elements, recognizing that the path to wisdom or heroism is fraught with both laughter and tears.
The Hero’s Journey and the Seven Basic Plots serve as complementary lenses through which to understand the universal appeal and structure of stories. While Campbell’s model offers a detailed psychological roadmap for a character’s internal transformation, Booker’s Seven Plots provide a broader taxonomy of narrative possibilities, each resonating with different facets of human experience. Both are invaluable tools for writers and scholars alike, offering insights into why certain stories continue to captivate us across cultures and throughout history.
Archetypes in Epic Fantasy Literature
In Robert Jordan’s epic series “The Wheel of Time,” archetypal themes abound, offering a rich tapestry of classic figures that tap into the collective unconscious of the readers. For instance, Rand al’Thor is a quintessential example of the “Chosen One” archetype. Throughout the series, he grapples with the weight of prophecy, his destined role in the fight against the Dark One, and the responsibilities that come with being a savior figure. His journey encapsulates many aspects of the Hero’s Journey, from the initial call to adventure to trials, tribulations, and ultimate transformation. Just like classic “Chosen Ones” in lore and myth, Rand is both empowered and burdened by his destiny, making his character arc not just a tale of triumph but also one of personal sacrifice and complexity.
On the other hand, Egwene al’Vere embodies the “Wise Woman” archetype, evolving over the course of the series from a village girl into a leader of wisdom and power. Her ascent to the role of the Amyrlin Seat, the highest position in the Aes Sedai order, mirrors the classic archetypal journey of stepping into a position of spiritual or societal leadership. She becomes a source of guidance, wisdom, and strength, not only for other characters but also for the reader, who witnesses her transformation. Her journey illustrates that wisdom often comes at the price of hardship and personal loss, making her a complex and richly developed character that resonates deeply with audiences.
In C.S. Lewis’s “The Chronicles of Narnia,” archetypes also play a significant role, but they often draw more explicitly from religious and mythological traditions. Aslan, the noble lion, is a clear representation of a Christ-like figure. His self-sacrifice in “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” to save Edmund is a reimagining of the crucifixion and resurrection story, offering children an accessible way to engage with one of Western civilization’s most enduring archetypes. Aslan’s role in the Narnian world as a creator, protector, and savior makes the narrative not just an adventure story but also a spiritual allegory.
Interestingly, while “The Wheel of Time” and “The Chronicles of Narnia” both utilize archetypes, they do so in different contexts and for different ends. Jordan’s series often uses archetypes as a starting point to develop more complex, multi-faceted characters, challenging and expanding upon the traditional roles they embody. Lewis, meanwhile, uses archetypes more deliberately to echo religious and moral themes, aiming to impart specific lessons or insights. Both approaches underline the flexibility and enduring power of archetypes in storytelling, capable of being adapted and reinterpreted across different genres, cultures, and narrative objectives.
In summary, both “The Wheel of Time” and “The Chronicles of Narnia” exemplify the enduring appeal of archetypal characters and themes in epic fantasy. Whether it’s Rand al’Thor’s reluctant embrace of his destiny or Aslan’s embodiment of sacrificial love, these archetypes offer readers familiar touchstones in expansive, complex narratives. They serve as proof that even as authors build intricate new worlds, the themes that resonate most strongly often have ancient, universal roots.
Employing Archetypes in Your Writing
The process of choosing the right archetypes for your story is an integral part of crafting a compelling narrative. Consider the primary themes you want to explore and the message you wish to convey. Are you dealing with heroism, betrayal, or perhaps self-discovery? Once you’ve identified your core themes, you can select archetypes that naturally align with them. For instance, if your story revolves around a quest for justice, a “Warrior” or “Hero” archetype may be suitable. Conversely, if your narrative is centered on introspection and wisdom, the “Sage” or “Mentor” could be more fitting. These archetypal characters serve as guiding frameworks that can add resonance and universality to your tale. They tap into shared myths and stories that cross cultural lines, making your characters immediately recognizable and relatable to your audience.
Subverting archetypes can be just as impactful as employing them in their traditional forms. While archetypes provide a solid template, they are not rigid constructs to be followed slavishly. Consider combining archetypes or flipping them to surprise your readers and add a layer of complexity to your characters. For example, what if your ‘Hero’ is also somewhat of a ‘Trickster,’ using cunning and wit rather than brute strength to achieve their goals? Or perhaps your ‘Mentor’ figure is deeply flawed and must also undergo a transformation alongside the protagonist. Subverting expectations adds a fresh spin to timeworn tales, offering your audience something new while still grounding your story in universally recognizable themes.
In some cases, subversion can also serve as social commentary. For example, taking a traditionally male-dominated archetype like the ‘Warrior’ and filling that role with a female character can challenge societal norms and expectations. Similarly, deconstructing an archetype can offer readers the opportunity to question and confront traditional narratives. The ‘Anti-Hero’ has become a popular vehicle for this kind of subversion, complicating the black-and-white morality often associated with the conventional ‘Hero.’ These new takes on classic archetypes can engage readers on multiple levels, encouraging them to question their preconceptions while they enjoy your story.
Choosing and subverting archetypes isn’t just a mechanical process; it’s an art form. The key lies in balancing familiarity with innovation. Stick too closely to established archetypes, and your characters may come off as clichés. Stray too far, and you risk losing the anchoring touchstones that make archetypes effective in the first place. The beauty of archetypes is their adaptability—their ability to be reshaped, recombined, and reimagined for new stories and new generations.
Archetypes are a powerful tool in a writer’s arsenal, capable of adding depth, resonance, and complexity to a narrative. Whether you choose to employ them in a traditional sense or subvert them to create something new, understanding the archetypal roles and how they fit with your story’s themes is crucial. They offer a time-tested way to engage your readers, invoke emotional responses, and provoke thought, making your story a part of the larger tapestry of tales that touch upon the universal experiences of humanity.
Writing Exercises for Archetypes
Modernize an Archetype: Take a traditional archetype like “The Trickster” and place it in a contemporary setting. How would the character behave?
Archetype Mash-up: Combine two or more archetypes to create a complex character, and write a scene that shows the tension between these different roles.
Incorporating archetypes and understanding their psychological basis can add a layer of universal appeal and depth to your epic fantasy story. Whether you choose to employ these age-old symbols faithfully or subvert them for a fresh twist, your narrative will tap into themes that have captivated readers for generations.
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Last Modified: 09/29/2023