Archetypes are found everywhere, in the oldest of myths and folk tales to the latest blockbusters and most talked about piece of literature. Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung (1964) defined archetypes as “systems of readiness for action, and at the same time images and emotions” or innate patterns our psychological makeup that we use to make sense of our internal and external experiences. The archetype appears in our favorite films, books, and stories as a repeating character that fulfills a particular role. While the core concept of an archetype always stays the same, its manifestation is periodically redefined by modern culture, varying in circumstances, culture, or look. Beneath all characters, however, the archetype remains, always ready to be reborn when it’s previous incarnation becomes no longer useful or inspiring.
To recognize an archetype, one must look to past external, cultural features to find the core attributes of a character. Take, for example, the several years long craze over the multimedia franchise that is The Hunger Games Trilogy (Collins, 2008; 2009; 2010). The protagonist of trilogy, Katniss Everdeen, bears similar qualities to another figure popular some thousands of years ago: Artemis of Greek mythology, also known as Diana to the Romans. As the maiden goddess of the moon, Artemis was known as the nature dwelling protector of women and children, but also, a huntress capable of delivering vengeance and taking life when she saw it necessary (Bolen, 1985). She represented a strong, active, independent form of femininity that values freedom and autonomy.
Similarly, in the novel, Katniss is introduced as a skilled hunter comfortable in natural surroundings, driven to protect those she cares for, as when she volunteers to enter the deadly game in place of her younger sister (Collins, 2008). Her strong spirit of independence defies containment, and eventually her influence spreads from district to district, inciting resistance against the suppressive regime. All the while she bears the same symbol as Artemis, the bow and arrow, a symbol of her role and skill.
Following the patterns in the story reveals the ancient mythological ancestor behind the modern day character. That Katniss has become a popular character to modern day appeal shows that there is a widespread, cultural need for this type of archetype to reemerge, as it did in ancient Greek and Roman times. Archetypes often have qualities that catalyze culture to balance, progress, and renew itself. Society on a whole often does not realize why it is drawn to an archetype, but does it so out of instinctual need (Jung, 1964). The appeal is collective, and often unconscious.
On the personal level, examining an attraction to a particular archetype can reveal how we ourselves have similar qualities within. Sometimes, we resonate with archetypes because they remind us aspects of ourselves that we like and enjoy. Sometimes, however, it is because the archetype bears qualities that are latent within our own psyches. For example, the shy kid who loves to read stories about a charming, outgoing protagonist may do so because it stirs some suggestion about her or his latent extroversion, a part that has potential for further development. The archetypes we become compelled towards, consciously or unconsciously, often grant us an invitation to discover previously unknown parts of our personalities. Should we find ourselves compelled towards an archetype which seems bizarrely different, or even distasteful, this can be an indication that we have become too one sided in our perspectives, and the opposite perspective must be considered in order for the psyche to regain integration or balance (Jung, 1964).
For more articles on Jungian psychology, art, film and literature, find me at www.serenakonkincounseling.com/blog or follow me on my Facebook page.
Serena F. Konkin is a writer and Jungian psychotherapist in private practice.
References
Bolen, J. S. (1985). Goddesses in everywoman: A new psychology of women. New York: Harper & Row.
Collins, S. (2008). The Hunger Games. New York: Scholastic Press.
Collins, S., Parisi, E. B., & Scholastic Press,. (2009). Catching fire. New York: Scholastic Press.
Collins, S. (2010). Mockingjay. New York: Scholastic Press.
Jung, C. G. (1964). Civilization in transition. London: Paul.