Archetypic image: concept, definition, history, motives and psychological nuances

2024 Author: Miguel Ramacey | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 06:11

An archetype is a common image embedded in the collective unconscious. Archetypes are the same in every generation and in every culture. The word was coined by C. G. Jung.

Concept

The generally accepted definition of the archetypal image is as follows: this is the term introduced by Jung to refer to the primary primitive images, universal symbols inherent in the collective unconscious. They appear in the dreams of every 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 motifs were repeated hundreds of times in the legends and myths of various peoples. For example, in many fairy tales there is an archetype of a hero who defeats 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 "arhos" - "beginning" and "tipos" - "imprint", "form". Canmeet the following definition of this term: an archetype is an innate mental pattern that is characteristic of every person, regardless of their cultural affiliation.

History

The term "archetype" was first used by Freud's student C. G. Jung in his report en titled "Instinct and the Unconscious". In the work, the psychoanalyst explains that he took this term from the works of Aurelius Augustine (he speaks of such images in the XV book of his treatise On the City of God).

Wide use of the word "archetype" began in the first half of the 20th century. This happened thanks to the publication of the works of C. G. Jung. This happened for the first time in 1912, when his work en titled "Metamorphoses and Symbols of the Libido" was published.

Despite the differences between Jung and Freud, this work was written by a psychoanalyst from the standpoint of Freud's concept. In the work, libido was described from the position of personification. Jung listed the main images behind which it can hide - a hero, a demon, a mother. Also in this work, the basis for the future concept of the journey of the archetypal character was created - for example, the fight of the hero with the dragon.

Motives

In tales and legends, there are whole archetypal plots that are repeated in different cultures. An example of such a motive is the struggle between good and evil. Another popular motif is the abduction of a beauty by a snake. In different legends, variations of the main motive are possible. For example, a beauty can be a daughter, a mother, etc. A snake is a koshche, a devil,sorcerer, etc.

The motive of the path is also common, suggesting that the hero passes through obstacles on the way to the goal. This hero can be an ordinary peasant, prince or tsar, Ivan the Fool.

Mother: an archetypal image in a fairy tale

The mother 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 adult life, this archetype is no longer relevant - it does not allow development.
• Evil stepmother. This archetype also refers to the mother. However, it contains completely different properties. This archetypal image of the mother is oppressive. Usually she owns the words: “Nothing will come of you”, “Where are you going”, “You can’t change anything”, etc. In real life, the children of such mothers often turn out to be powerless in front of such destructive attitudes.
• Baba Yaga. It is also a maternal archetypal image. In fairy tales, Baba Yaga is not just a parent - she is the Knowing Mother. She knows the secrets of the universe, and it is she who is the true mentor. Baba Yaga inspires the guests of her hut with a new order of life. Miracles can happen in her domain. She is the epitome of self-confidence. Baba Yaga is neither evil nor good. This archetype is not overprotective or punishing for no reason. Those people in whom it prevails usually know that they will have to reap the fruits of their actions, and joys and misfortunes are generated by themselves.

Other images in folk tales

There are a large number of archetypal images in fairy tales. Each nation also has a lot of fairy tales, however, these characters pass from one culture to another, practically without changing in essence. In East Slavic legends, these are images of a fool, a hero, Ivan Tsarevich, a friend, Vasilisa the Beautiful, the devil, mother, Koshchei.

Western fairy tales also have similar images. For example, in Andersen's fairy tale "The Snow Queen" the Queen herself is the Mother archetype in her negative aspect. Gerda personifies the image of the Friend. The old flower girl is a representative of the Mother archetype in a positive aspect.

Images in the Book of Books

As for the archetypal images in the Bible, you can also find a lot of them. For example, the images of a man and a woman are Adam and Eve, Christ and Mary Magdalene. There are also archetypes of rivals in the Book of Books - Jacob and Esau, Cain and Abel. Joseph, Noah, Moses can serve as an example of the images of the righteous.

Classification Sh. Bolen. Archetype of Artemis

American author Shinoda Bolen identified 11 female archetypes. The most important of them, and the most frequently encountered, are Artemis, Athena, Hestia, Hera (Juno), Demeter, Persephone and Aphrodite, Hebe, Fortune, Hekate. 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 usuallychooses male professions, and strives to achieve high results in the career field. She is constantly on the lookout for something new. The main thing for Artemis is the feeling of freedom. She does not tolerate any boundaries. On the other hand, Artemis helps her allies to defend their personal interests.

Such a lady is characterized by a heightened sense of justice, adherence to principles. Artemis follows her principles to the detriment of feelings. THOSE women in whom this archetypal image is most expressed know well what they want from life.

However, the positive qualities of Artemis have negative sides. Although such a woman is free, inwardly she is very lonely. She is incapable of having strong relationships with other people (although she usually makes good friendships with other women). Artemis is unemotional and lacks feelings.

Aphrodite

The main feature of this archetypal image is its attractiveness for the representatives of the stronger sex. Aphrodite always radiates warmth. 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 does not matter whether it is a relationship or a creative hobby.

But due to her sensuality, Aphrodite often feels difficulties in those areas of life that relate to ethics, morality, and religiosity. Such a lady may feel guilty about her experiences.

Aphrodite has a good relationship with other women, because she is easy and carefree in communication. Althoughmany can see her as a rival, she is sincerely perplexed by such an attitude. Aphrodite has no sense of ownership, and in matters of love she is guided by the principle of abundance. "There are enough men for everyone, so don't get too hung up on one person" - this is her main principle.

Athena

Women, in whom this archetypal image is the main one, like the atmosphere of concentration, composure, achievement of the goal. Athena usually doesn't get emotional. And it is precisely this quality of hers that allows her to successfully achieve the tasks she needs, to achieve the necessary goals.

Athena is good at cooperating 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 evaluate her past, and successfully learns from past mistakes.

As a rule, those ladies in whose characters this archetypal image is most expressed have few girlfriends. Athena looks at the world very realistically. Many of the problems of those ladies who see him traditionally are simply incomprehensible to her. Athena is not prone to empty dreams - she simply sets a goal for herself, and then achieves it. And such behavior frightens with its strength those girls who could become her friends.

As for men, the carriers of this personality archetype are usually only interested in strong people who have managed to achieve a lot 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 mountains of gold. When will Athenaan interesting person comes across, through deft manipulations she easily directs him in her direction.

Other female looks

In addition to the mentioned personality archetypes, there are also the following:

• Hera. This is a typical woman who is a companion for 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 loves children with all her heart and wants to give them only the best. She personifies the female maternal instinct. Even in building relationships with other people, the Demeter woman takes the position of a mother, seeks to take care of others.
• Persephone. "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 falls under the influence of 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.
• Hebe is the lady who resists her age with all her might. 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. You can't call her slutty.
• Fortune. A woman with a rather contradictory character. She seeks to keep all events under her control, but does not foresee their consequences.
• Nemesis. For a woman with this soul archetype, the main value ishonesty. Ladies with this image are usually incapable of forgiving injustice.
• Hecate. Pretty deep archetype. The Hekate woman is prone to mystifying all those events that occur in her life. Often, ladies with this image of the archetype go headlong into occult practices - or become deeply religious.

In the same woman, there is usually a combination of two or three main archetypes. Sometimes these images can "compete" among themselves for superiority. A common example of this rivalry is a woman's desire to have both a successful career and a strong family.

Other typologies

Some psychologists believe that there are only three main archetypes in a woman's life. This is Beloved, Mother, Guardian. The first puts all her strength into the service of a man. The mother is for the upbringing of the 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 these images are developed in her.

Greek male images

The following archetypes of Greek mythology, characteristic of men, are distinguished:

• Zeus. Self-confident, authoritative, inclined to command others.
• Poseidon. A man who is guided by emotions, but, like Zeus, patriarchal instincts are strong in him.
• Hades. A closed man, immersed in his own world.
• Apollo. A harmonious person who takes care of his appearance. Pleasant to talk to.
• Hermes. Smart, insightful man. He loves change, tends to get everything from life at once.
• Ares. Eccentric, living only in emotions, momentary pleasures.

Other male archetypes

Representatives of the stronger sex can also manifest themselves in different ways: as warriors, leaders, kings; and also 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 bright representative of the image of the Warrior. However, he is also strong in the qualities of a Ruler (he strives to be one), as well as a Philosopher (he loves to learn).