We explain what an archetype is in philosophy and psychology. We also tell you about Carl Jung’s twelve archetypes. Please read other MTV articles for more information. If you share it, it will be of little help to us.
What is an archetype?
An archetype is a universal model or pattern that represents ideas, concepts, characters, or situations with a deep and shared meaning for humanity. This concept has been used in different disciplines, such as philosophy and psychology.
In philosophy, Plato (c. 427–347 BC) used the term to refer to “perfect forms,” abstract entities that exist in a higher mind and serve as models for everything we perceive in the physical world.
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In psychology, Carl Gustav Jung (1875–1961) popularized the concept with his theory of the “collective unconscious.” According to Jung, this part of the human mind does not arise from individual experience, but contains memories and symbolic images inherited from our ancestors. Archetypes, then, are universal patterns that influence how people perceive and experience reality. They are present in myths, tales, dreams, and cultural expressions of all civilizations.
The word “archetype” comes from the union of two ancient Greek terms: arché (meaning “source” or “origin”) and typos (translated as “models” or “forms”).
Etymology of “archetype”
KEY POINTS
- An archetype is a universal model that represents ideas, characters, or situations with deep meaning shared by humanity.
- Carl G. Jung popularized the concept of archetypes based on his theory of the collective unconscious. He proposed that they are inherited patterns that influence how people experience reality.
- According to Jung, the fundamental archetypes are: the anima and animus (feminine and masculine aspects of the psyche), the shadow (repressed personality traits), the persona (social image), and the self (integration of all aspects of the psyche).
- Some examples of archetypes are: the innocent, the magician, the warrior, the nurturer, the explorer, and the ruler.
Fundamental Archetypes
Carl G. Jung identified several essential archetypes that play a key role in shaping human personality and behavior. Among the most important are:
Anima and Animus
They represent the feminine and masculine aspects of the psyche, respectively. They are formed from cultural ideas about the feminine and masculine, and from personal experiences with figures of each gender.
Shadow
Symbolizes repressed or rejected personality traits. It includes impulses, desires, or characteristics that a person does not want to acknowledge in themselves.
Persona
Represents the image presented to others. It is influenced by social and cultural expectations and does not always reflect one’s true identity.
Self
Represents the totality of the psyche and the integration of all its aspects, both conscious and unconscious. It symbolizes the path to self-realization and internal balance.
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Examples of Archetypes
It is difficult to establish a fixed number of archetypes, as they can overlap or combine depending on the cultural and personal context. However, Carl G. Jung identified twelve recurring archetypal figures in myths, stories, and human behavior.
These images are related to “archetypal events,” that is, situations with deep symbolic meaning, such as birth, death, initiation, or marriage.
The twelve main archetypes are:
1. The Innocent
Represents optimism and purity. He trusts others and seeks the good, although he can be naive. He is associated with The Fool card in the tarot. For example: Pinocchio, Peter Pan, and Snow White.
2. The Magician
Embodies transformation and knowledge. His desire to control reality can lead to selfishness and obsession. He is related to The Magician card in the tarot. For example: Merlin, Faust, and Saruman (The Lord of the Rings).
3. The Warrior
Symbolizes heroism, commitment, and tenacity. He protects what he holds dear, although he can sometimes act impulsively. He is associated with the Strength card in the tarot. For example: Hercules, Superman, and Neo (The Matrix).
4. The Caretaker
He is characterized by compassion, sacrifice, and generosity. He helps others without expecting anything in return. He is related to the Empress card in the tarot. For example: Fairy Godmother, Mary Poppins, and Samwise Gamgee (The Lord of the Rings).
5. The Lover
Inspired by passion and desire, he seeks beauty and harmony in relationships. He enjoys a deep connection with others and the world around him. He is linked to the Lovers card in the tarot. For example: Prince Charming, Tristan, and Jaime Lannister (Game of Thrones).
6. The Explorer
Represents curiosity and the search for new experiences. They desire to discover the unknown, both in the outside world and within themselves. They are associated with The Chariot card in the tarot. For example: Indiana Jones, Geralt (The Witcher), and Han Solo (Star Wars).
7. The Ruler
Symbolizes leadership and order. They seek stability and structure and can become authoritarian. They are associated with The Emperor card in the tarot. For example: King Arthur, Professor X, and Vito Corleone (The Godfather).
8. The Trickster or Jester
Represents irreverence and humor. They challenge norms and conventions with wit and cunning. They are associated with The Hanged Man card in the tarot. For example: Loki, Captain Jack Sparrow, and the Joker (Batman).
9. The Sage
They seek truth and deep understanding. They are the guide and counselor who offers guidance based on their experience and knowledge. They are linked to The Hermit card in the tarot. For example: Mr. Miyagi (The Karate Kid), Yoda (Star Wars), and Gandalf (The Lord of the Rings).
10. The Traditionalist
This is the defender of norms and the established order. They tend to focus on preserving what is familiar and can become rigid. They are identified with the High Priest card in the Tarot. For example: Sherlock Holmes, Spiderman, and Deckard (Blade Runner).
11. The Outlaw
This represents rebellion and independence. They challenge rules and fight against power structures. They are linked to the Tower card in the Tarot. For example: Robin Hood, Captain Nemo, and Anakin Skywalker (Star Wars).
12. The Creator
This is associated with creativity and innovation. Their desire to materialize ideas drives them to generate new forms of art, science, or technology. They are related to the Moon card in the Tarot. For example: Dr. Frankenstein, Tony Stark (Iron Man), and Doc (Back to the Future).
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References
All the information we offer is supported by authoritative and up-to-date bibliographic sources, ensuring reliable content in line with our editorial principles.
- Alonso G., J. C. (2004). Jung’s Analytical Psychology and its Contributions to Psychotherapy. Universitas Psychologica, 3(1), 55-70. www.redalyc.org
- Online Spanish Etymological Dictionary. (n.d.). Etymology of archetype. etimologias.dechile.net
- Royal Spanish Academy. (n.d.). Archetype. Dictionary of the Spanish Language. dle.rae.es
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. (n.d.). Archetype. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com
- Archetype definition, What it is, examples, and the influence of Carl Jung – concepto.de
