Archetypal Theme in Myth
The journey of Odysseus is an example of this archetypal theme.
What is the Hero's Journey?
This blue-skinned Hindu deity is an example of the "Hero" and "Divine Child" archetypes.
Who is Krishna?
Many myths explain natural events, showing this theme.
What is Creation?
The lightning bolt is a symbol of power and divine authority for this god.
Who is Zeus?
This thunderbolt-wielding king of the gods represents the "Father" or "Ruler" archetype.
Who is Zeus (or Jupiter)?
Erratic disorganization before creation appears in many myths. What archetypal theme is this?
What is Order vs. Chaos?
This prince-turned-sage represents the "Wise Old Man" archetype in Buddhism.
Who is the Buddha (Siddhartha Gautama)?
The tale of Persephone highlights this seasonal and emotional theme.
What is Life/Death/Rebirth?
The lotus flower in Eastern myth often symbolizes this.
What is purity? (Also will accept: spiritual awakening)
This goddess of wisdom and warfare fits the "Wise Mentor" archetype.
Who is Athena (or Minerva)?
The transformation of Narcissus is part of this thematic archetype.
What is Transformation (through Self-Awareness)?
This demon-slaying goddess shows the "Warrior Mother" archetype in Hindu myth.
Who is Durga?
The temptation of Pandora shows this theme about curiosity and its costs.
What is the Danger of Forbidden Knowledge?
This bird often represents rebirth in many mythologies.
What is a phoenix?
This underworld god embodies the "Shadow" or "Death" archetype.
Who is Hades (or Pluto)?
The battle between gods and giants in Norse myth and Prometheus and Zeus in Greek myth reflect this theme.
What is Good vs. Evil?
This Chinese mythological figure stole fire and gave it to humans, like Prometheus.
Who is Suiren?
Gilgamesh seeking immortality shows this theme.
What is the Fear of Death (or the Search for Eternal Life)?
The labyrinth in the myth of the Minotaur represents this.
What is confusion? (Also accept "personal journal inward")
This hero’s journey, including slaying Medusa, is a classic example of the "Hero" archetype.
Who is Perseus?
The myth of Icarus is built on this recurring theme:
The danger of over-ambition/pride.
This Daoist figure represents the archetype of "The Sage" and is associated with natural balance.
Who is Laozi (or Lao Tzu)?
Myths from many cultures show this theme about pride leading to downfall.
What is hubris?
In many myths, this type of tree symbolizes life and the connection between worlds.
What is the World Tree? (Aka Yggdrasil)
This Greek trickster god, messenger of the gods, shows traits of the "Trickster" archetype.
Who is Hermes (or Mercury)?