ARCHETYPES #1
Central figures in stories that undergo a journey, face challenges and transformations.
Hero
The hero’s guide( guiding principles) or teacher. This character provides the hero with advice, training or magical assistance.
Mentor
The hero takes possession of the treasure won by facing death.
The Reward
Identify two Shadows Perseus had to face.
The Wicked King & Medusa
Identify two Shadows Theseus had to face.
Minotaur / King Minos
The MAIN antagonist of the story. He/She/It may represent the opposite of the hero and their beliefs may reflect a darker aspect of the hero and their potential for evil.
THE SHADOW
Characters who help the hero throughout the quest or journey. They often compliment the hero’s skills and help them face challenges.
ALLIES
Something shakes up the situation, either from external pressures or from something rising up from deep within, so the hero must face the beginnings of change.
The Call to Adventure
Identify two of Perseus' allies.
Hermes, Athena, or the Maidens of the West
Who acts as a Mentor to Theseus?
Ariadne
(she frees him, returns his sword, gives him the string and insight into the Labyrinth and the Minotaur
The one who brings the Call to Adventure. This could be a person or an event.
HERALD
Clowns and mischief-makers; they usually add levity to the story through comic relief. They can be allies or enemies or both.
TRICKSTERS
The hero is challenged and sorts out allegiances in the Special World.
TESTS/ALLIES/ENEMIES
Identify two of the Threshold Guardians that Perseus faced.
Gray Sisters / The Gorgons / The Sea Beast
Identify the Threshold Guardians that Theseus faced.
Talus
A Special (and often magical) item that assists the heroes on their quest.
TALISMAN
The forces that serve as obstacles or stand in the way at important turning points, including jealous enemies, professional gatekeepers, or even the hero’s own fears and doubts.
THRESHOLD GUARDIANS
The hero comes home or continues the journey, bearing some element of the treasure that has the power to transform the world as the hero has been transformed.
RETURN WITH THE ELIXIR
List the four Talismans that the Maidens of the West gave Perseus?
The sword, the shield, the magical pouch and the cap of darkness.
Identify a Talisman that Theseus uses to assist him on his quest.
Silken String or sword
They can serve as an ally or an enemy to the hero. Sometimes both. Their unpredictability adds complexity to the story, usually representing change or twists and turns within the plot. In life, the shapeshifter represents change.
SHAPESHIFTERS
Choose a film of your choice and identify the following archetypes:
Hero / Shadow / Mentor / Allies / Shapeshifter
Answers may vary:
The hero commits to leaving the Ordinary World and entering a new region or condition with unfamiliar rules and values.
CROSSING THE THRESHOLD
Why is Medusa considered a Shapeshifter?
First she was a monster but ends up becoming a weapon that Perseus uses twice.
Which of the seven deadly sins is both Theseus and Perseus guilty of? Justify why Theseus is guilty of this sin.
Pride
He believes he is invincible