Myths exist in every culture. Although myths may have different characters and plotlines, common themes (e.g., creation, marriage and betrayal) and common motifs (e.g., special weapons, helpful guides and barren lands) are seen. This commonality is explained by the concept of archetypes. Archetypes are characters, items and situations in myth, art, literature, fairy tales, legends […]
Walking in the Footsteps of the Hero’s Journey
Whether it is viewing Star Wars for the tenth time or grandchildren asking you to repeatedly read Hansel and Gretel, there is something universally compelling about these stories. We often feel both deeply energized and content after witnessing them. One reason for this comfort is that characters in myths and fairytales represent parts of our […]
What Myth are You Living By?
Budda, Christ, Harry Potter and Maggie in Million Dollar Baby are all examples of the Hero archetype. Their stories follow a shared pattern of stages such as an unusual birth or childhood, an initiation, an exile, a period of many trials and tests, a symbolic death, a rebirth or transformation, and a return home. Archetypes […]
