An archetype is a general image embedded in the collective unconscious. Archetypes are unchanged in every generation and in every culture. This word was introduced into use by K. G. Jung.
The concept
The generally accepted definition of an archetypal image is this: it is a term introduced by Jung to refer to primary primitive images, universal symbols inherent in the collective unconscious. They appear in the dreams of each person, regardless of race, gender, age.
In psychology, archetypal images allow us to understand the patterns of human behavior, the most likely scenarios for the development of his fate. After all, these motives were repeated hundreds of times in the legends and myths of various peoples. For example, in many tales there is an archetype of a hero defeating a huge dragon. The archetypal image in a fairy tale is a mother, an old sage, a warrior. It is from these characters that the collective unconscious is formed.
The word "archetype" itself comes from the Greek roots "archos" - "beginning" and "tipos" - "imprint", "form". One can also meet such a definition of this term: an archetype is an innate mental pattern that is characteristic of every person, regardless of his cultural affiliation.
Story
For the first time, the term “archetype” was used by Freud’s pupil K. G. Jung in his talk entitled “Instinct and the Unconscious.” In the work, the psychoanalyst explains that he took this term from the writings of Aurelius Augustine (he talks about such images in the 15th book of his treatise "On the City of God").
The widespread use of the word "archetype" began in the first half of the 20th century. This happened thanks to the publication of the works of K. G. Jung. This happened for the first time in 1912, when he saw the light of his work entitled "Metamorphoses and Libido Symbols."
Despite the differences between Jung and Freud, this work was written by a psychoanalyst from the standpoint of Freud's concept. The libido was described in terms of personification. Jung listed the main images behind which it can be hidden - a hero, a demon, a mother. Also in this work, the basis for the future concept of the travel of an archetypal character was created - for example, the hero’s battle with the dragon.
Motives
In legends and legends there are whole archetypal plots repeated in various cultures. An example of such a motive is the struggle between good and evil. Another popular motive is the abduction of a beautiful woman by a snake. In various legends, variations of the main motive are possible. For example, a beauty can be a daughter, a mother, etc. A serpent - a mummy, a devil, a sorcerer, etc.
The motive of the path is also widespread, which involves the hero passing obstacles on the way to the goal. This hero can be an ordinary peasant, a prince or a king, Ivan the Fool.
Mother: an archetypal image in a fairy tale
The maternal image in folk tales can be represented by three images:
- Native mother. She takes care of her child, takes care of him. In childhood and adolescence, such a mother is ideal. But for adulthood, this archetype is no longer relevant - it does not allow development.
- Wicked stepmother. This archetype also refers to the mother. However, it contains completely different properties. This archetypal image of the mother is oppressive. Usually, the words belong to her: “Nothing will come of you”, “Where you climbed”, “You cannot change anything”, etc. In real life, the children of such mothers often find themselves powerless before such destructive installations.
- Baba Yaga. It is also a maternal archetypal image. In fairy tales, Baba Yaga is not just a parent - it is the Leading Mother. She knows the secrets of the universe, and it is she who is the true mentor. Baba Yaga inspires the guests of his hut a new life order. Miracles can happen in her domain. It is she who is a model of fidelity to oneself. Baba Yaga is neither evil nor good. This archetype is not too hyperactive or punishing without reason. Those people in whom he prevails usually know that they will have to reap the benefits of their actions, and the joys and misfortunes generated by them themselves.
Other images in folk tales
There are a large number of archetypal images in fairy tales. Each nation also has many fairy tales, however, these characters pass from one culture to another, practically unchanging in essence. In East Slavic legends, these are images of a fool, a hero, Ivan Tsarevich, friend, Vasilisa the Beautiful, hell, mother, Koshchei.
In Western tales, similar images are also found. For example, in Andersen’s fairy tale “The Snow Queen”, the Queen herself reveals the archetype of Mother in her negative aspect. Gerda personifies the image of the Friend. The old flower girl is a representative of the archetype of Mother in a positive aspect.
Book Images
As for archetypal images in the Bible, they can also be found a lot. For example, the images of men and women are Adam and Eve, Christ and Mary Magdalene. The Book of Books also contains the archetypes of rivals - Jacob and Esau, Cain and Abel. An example of the images of the righteous is Joseph, Noah, Moses.
Classification of S. Bohlen. Archetype of Artemis
The American author Shinoda Bolen identified 11 female archetypes. The most important of them, and the most common ones, are Artemis, Athena, Hestia, Hera (Juno), Demeter, Persephone and Aphrodite, Hebe, Fortune, Hecate. As for the archetypal image of Artemis, it manifests itself most of all in those women who know how to feel their inner integrity, independence from other people's opinions. Artemis usually chooses male professions, and seeks to achieve high results in his career. She is constantly in search of something new. The main thing for Artemis is a feeling of freedom. She does not tolerate any boundaries. On the other hand, Artemis helps his allies to defend personal interests.
Such a lady is characterized by a heightened sense of justice, integrity. Artemis follows his principles to the detriment of feelings. Those women in whom this archetypal image is most expressed are well aware of what they want from life.
However, the positive qualities of Artemis have negative aspects. Although such a woman is free, internally she is very lonely. She is unable to have strong relationships with other people (although usually she has a good friendship with other women). Artemis is unemotional, she lacks feelings.
Aphrodite
The main feature of this archetypal image is its attractiveness for the stronger sex. Aphrodite always radiates heat. She is charming, even if her appearance does not seem attractive at first glance. Such a woman lives on the principle of "here and now." She is easily immersed in emotions, feelings - and it doesn’t matter whether it is a relationship or a creative hobby.
But because of her sensuality, Aphrodite often feels difficulties in those areas of life that relate to ethics, morality, religiosity. Such a lady may feel guilty for her experiences.
Aphrodite has a good relationship with other women, because she is easy and carefree in communication. Although many may see her as a rival, she sincerely wonders at such an attitude. Aphrodite does not know a sense of ownership, and in matters of love she is guided by the principle of abundance. “Men are enough for everyone, so don’t get too hung up on one thing” - this is her basic principle.
Athena
Women, in whom this archetypal image is the main one, like the atmosphere of concentration, concentration, goal achievement. Athena is usually not amenable to emotions. And it is precisely this quality of her that allows her to successfully achieve the solution to the tasks she needs, to achieve the necessary goals.
Athena is good at working with men. She is guided by logic, common sense. Such a lady usually has a large number of diverse interests. She knows how to correctly assess her past, and successfully learns from past mistakes.
As a rule, those ladies in whose characters this archetypal image is most expressed have few friends. Athena looks at the world very realistically. Many problems of those ladies who see him traditionally are simply incomprehensible to her. Athena is not inclined to empty dreams - she simply sets a goal, and then achieves it. And such behavior frightens with its strength those girls who could become her friends.
As for men, the bearers of this archetype of personality are usually only interested in strong people who have managed to achieve much in their lives. Athena has a good intuition, and with her instinct she feels the winners. She does not give a damn about the plans and dreams of those gentlemen who only promise her golden mountains. When Athena comes across an interesting person, through clever manipulations, she easily guides him in her direction.
Other female images
In addition to the mentioned archetypes of personality, the following are also distinguished:
- Hera. This is a typical woman who is an ally of her husband. She is a faithful assistant, but at the same time she has strong feelings of ownership towards him. Hera is the patroness of marriage.
- Demeter. Mother woman. She wholeheartedly loves children and wants to give them only the best. She personifies the female maternal instinct. Even in building relationships with other people, the woman Demeter takes the position of her mother, seeks to patronize others.
- Persephone. "The eternal girl." This type of women who do not want to grow up. They tend to shift responsibility for their lives to anyone, but not to themselves. Often such a woman or girl is influenced by other people. Persephone loves to be the center of attention of the opposite sex, but she cannot be called passionate. Psychologically, she is not mature.
- Heba is that lady who by all means resists her age. She strives to be forever young, and avoids the slightest manifestation of maturity. The worst thing for her is old age. But she treats men calmly. She can't be called slutty.
- Fortune. A woman with a rather controversial character. She seeks to keep all events under her control, but does not provide for their consequences.
- Nemesis. For a woman with this archetype of the soul, honesty is the main value. Ladies with a similar manner are usually incapable of forgiving injustice.
- Hecate. Sufficiently deep archetype. Woman-Hecate is prone to mystification of all those events that occur in her life. Often, ladies with this image of an archetype head off into occult practices - or become deeply religious.
In the same woman, a combination of two or three basic archetypes is usually observed. Sometimes these images can “compete” among themselves for superiority. A common example of such rivalry is the desire of a woman to have a successful career and a strong family.
Other typologies
Some psychologists believe that in a woman’s life there are only three basic archetypes. This is Beloved, Mother, Keeper. The first one puts all its strength into the service of a man. Mother - raising children. As for the Keeper, the object of her efforts is herself. It is believed that a truly happy lady can only be if all of these images are developed in her.
Greek male images
The following archetypes of Greek mythology, characteristic of men, are distinguished:
- Zeus. Confident, authoritative, inclined to command others.
- Poseidon. A man who is guided by emotions, but in him, like in Zeus, there are strong patriarchal instincts.
- Hades. A closed man immersed in his own world.
- Apollo. A harmonious person who monitors his appearance. Pleasant in communication.
- Hermes. Clever, insightful man. He loves change, is inclined to receive everything from life all at once.
- Ares. It is eccentric, lives only with emotions, momentary pleasures.
Other male archetypes
Representatives of the stronger sex can also manifest themselves in different ways: like warriors, leaders, kings; as well as hunters, merchants. Others are closer to the archetypes of sages, saints, shamans.
In men, as in women, several images are usually combined. An example is Conan the Barbarian. This character is a vivid representative of the image of the Warrior. However, the qualities of the Ruler (he strives to be him), as well as the Philosopher (he loves to learn) are also strong in him.