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Archetypes (World Religion)
In nearly all cultures in the world and several pagans’ traditions, archetypes refer to a person model that represents the symbol for various traits. For instance, a warrior may be seen as an archetype or a representative of brevity, strength, and honor. A priestess may seem to be an archetype of intuition and wisdom. “In goddess-centric belief systems, the triune archetype of Maiden/Mother/Crone is often invoked to represent youth, middle age, and crone hood” (Dohe p. 1). A psychiatrist, Carl Jung, made use of the archetypes system in describing images, which have a relation to unconsciousness that is collective. “He believed that every culture or belief system has common archetypes that everyone could relate to, whether that of the warrior, the priestess, the king, or others” (Dohe p. 58). Jung further made steps to describe how archetypes have a connection to our inner psyche.
According to Smith, most “indigenous people attempt to model their lives on the mythical deeds of archetypal heroes or heroines.” Modern people are employing archetypes through the idealism of seen leaders as heroes and heroines. Modern leaders are filling the role of heroes that are mythical by activities like “saving companies, championing causes for the poor or disenfranchised, and defending our closely held beliefs” (Shadraconis p. 2). In the modern environment and construct, a hero’s archetype can be observed in different ways, like where political contenders or CEOs of companies run for public offices. For instance, in cases of companies undergoing struggles or crises, leaders are mandated in traversing such operating environments that are difficult. The leaders have no option than navigating through strange environments filled with concerns, confusion, and changes. They have to make the situation sensible by setting courses of change since the majority’s lives have a dependence on their success. When the leaders succeed, the companies may remain intact and return to profitability due to the journey of the heroes.
Heroic leaders serve as “semi-fluid archetype,” which people mold as a way of meeting their needs. “The leader as the hero archetype can be viewed through many leadership models such as, charismatic, resonant or transformation leadership” (Shadraconis p. 2). When people identify with heroines and heroes, they rise above their thinking of self mortality and how their skills are limited. Such leads to the stimulation of believing in greatness by tales of own deeds and actions, just like mythical heroes and heroines. “When we identify with leaders, we are able to see ourselves as being similar; in this sense, we can accomplish all that they can” (Shadraconis p. 5).
There are various archetypes active in society today. Hollywood studios and marketing executives are using archetypes to create stories that inspire and profitable brands. Public figures are being used to bring about a sense of archetypal response in people. “In our day and age new archetypical positions are being taken. Sometimes from a position of strength, often acting from a pathological cramp with little dimension. Yes, quite sad. This cramp is the modern archetype” (Shadraconis p. 9). Modern archetypes are ranging from sports heroes, artists, political figures, sex symbols, among others.
Work Cited
Dohe, Carrie B. Jung’s wandering archetype: race and religion in analytical psychology. Routledge, 2016.
Shadraconis, Sophon. “Leaders and heroes: Modern day archetypes.” LUX: A Journal of Transdisciplinary Writing and Research from Claremont Graduate University 3.1 (2013): 15.
Smith, Huston. The illustrated world religion. HarperOne, 1995.