Diane Hancox

Joseph Campbell

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The Role of Myth

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 and religion that people universally identify with. As author June Singer suggests, archetypes are “images which help us to organize our life experiences” and “share a common core with all of humanity.” 

Mythological events and images are created using metaphoric language and are not to be taken literally. Rather, like poetry and art, they are symbolic with deeper psychological meaning. In a very practical way, myths are there to provide us with information about life’s experiences.

Dorothy was not actually carried away to the Land of Oz, but ventured on an inner journey to recover elements of herself (e.g., courage) symbolically represented by characters and objects (e.g., the lion, ruby shoes). Her task was to feel more whole in her ‘home.’

Similarly, Jonah was not swallowed by a big fish; rather, he experienced a transformation or rebirth in faith after a three days and three nights (again, symbolic) descent into his own darkness or unknowingness.

Myths present guidelines for living and their moral tone sets expectations for our own behaviors and standards. In myths, we see archetypal situations such as being alone, facing dragons and having lost our way, and are shown some of the options that may aid us in these situations.

Myths give continuity and stability to a culture. They establish a culture’s customs, rituals, religious tenets, laws, social structures, arts and crafts, holidays and other recurring events. They foster a shared set of perspectives and values.

Myths have the ability to guide us through transitions and situations. Joseph Campbell, of the PBS series, “The Power of Myth,” believed that when we identify with myth (and its archetypal essence) our lives could inwardly open up to reveal richer experiences. When we are in harmony with myth we are following a deeper level of existence.

Although most myths are fictional, it does not mean that myths are false. Campbell wrote, “Mythology is the penultimate truth – penultimate because the ultimate cannot be put into words.” The captivation and resonance we feel when experiencing myths such as Star Wars, The Wizard of Oz, The Fisher King or The Wrestler, is due to their ability to help us see more clearly parts of our very human journey. 

At times, we may find ourselves in the archetypal sacrifice-death-rebirth cycle learning the lessons of letting go, trusting, and living with uncertainly. At other times, we may find ourselves on the hero’s journey facing trial after trial. In these difficult times, it is helpful to feel that our own struggle might have a similar archetypal pattern and significance, though on a smaller scale.

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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 are characters, situations and objects in myths, art, literature, religion, and fairytales that are universally identified with. For example, Warrior, Teacher and Servant are experienced in most cultures yet in different forms. The Warrior archetype can appear as G.I. Joe, a Japanese Samurai, Rambo, Xena and a Gladiator. Although different, these Warriors share common experiences such as fighting for justice with tenacity and strength.

There are no good or bad, better or worse archetypes. They all bring qualities worthy of incorporating into our life at certain times and are needed in balance. Looking at the Rebel archetype, admirable qualities would be challenging authority to evoke social change or rejecting established systems, such as those found in church and family, when they no longer serve us. Rebel energy in an imbalanced state would be rejecting reasonable authority out of anger or when merely following others.

Archetypes carry powerful universal themes and emotional meaning such as love and betrayal. Archetypal energy often feels as if something has taken over us and is possessive and controlling. We may find our self in archetypal situations such as living with the Evil Step-Mother or under the wrath of the Tyrannical Father. We may share a similar Orphaned Child story with Cinderella or feel as if we are the Outsider, born into the wrong family or not fitting into society as in The Ugly Duckling. 

Joseph Campbell, author of The Power of Myth, emphasized the importance of myth and archetypes in our life. Whether we encounter archetypes in dreams or in our waking world, psyche is attempting to integrate various qualities into our life. When we realize we are in a certain archetypal pattern, its energy loses some of its hold on us and alerts us to alternate ways thinking, feeling and acting. 

We may be caught in the shadow of the Victim, blaming others and evoking pity in order to get our needs met. In this case, we recognize the Victim role and begin to look at ways to take responsibility and to be more empowered. We may begin to notice patterns of how we fall into the Pioneer shadow, compulsively needing to move or change when stressed. At other times, we may be asked to call up the Hero’s outward exploration and respond to challenges. 

As Carl Jung did, we ask, “What myth am I living by?” By looking at archetypes and myth we gain self-awareness and feel connected to universal themes, compassionately realizing our very human and necessary situation. Next week we’ll explore the Hero’s journey.