Inspired by mythology, The Hobbit is a story about an unlikely, ordinary hero going on an unexpected journey, which presents many challenges, twists and turns. As with any story, there are a few archetypes present in this tale.

​

The Hobbit

​What is an Archetype?

​The word "archetype" comes from
Greek arkhetypon - means model or pattern.
An archetype (ARK-uh-type) is an idea, symbol, setting, pattern, plot or character-type, in a story.

Archetypes are story elements that appear again and again in stories across time and throughout cultures. Archetypes symbolize something universal in the human experience.

​

The History of Archetypes

Archetypes were studied by Carl Jung, (1875-1961) Swiss psychiatrist and psychoanalyst, who noted archetypes after studying various world mythology, religions, dreams, and societies. 

​

​The writer Joseph Campbell wrote the famous The Hero with a Thousand Faces, which deeply studies the archetypal Hero. His book was the inspiration for Star Wars.

Here are a few archetypes and their descriptions. You most likely can think of some examples from stories.
A character can have more than one archetype.
There are many more than just these.

​

Archetypes

​Iron Man is an example of an Archetype.

Heroes want to save everyone from harm. The hero struggles but overcomes challenges and serves the greater good, making a positive impact on their world. They often have a right of passage known as The Hero's Journey.

​Hero

Yoda is an Archetype.

​Sages are magical, pass on knowledge to a Hero, often having to die as a final act of passing on to the next generation. Often a liminal character that exists "between spaces"

Sage aka Mentor

The Jester archetype uses cleverness for getting his way, instead of brute force. Can be a hero or a villain. 

Liminal figure, “boundary crosser” - in terms of the journey itself and socially.

Often a thief that people root for; an extraordinarily good liar.

​​Jester aka Trickster

Examples you may recognize

​The Hero

• ​AKA warrior, crusader, rescuer, this archetype rises to meet a challenge and saves the day.

• Struggles against evil and demonstrates courage to save the day. ​

• Represents risk & achievement.

• Motivation: leaving a mark on the world.

​The Hero

• ​AKA warrior, crusader, rescuer, this archetype rises to meet a challenge and saves the day.

• Struggles against evil and demonstrates courage to save the day. ​

• Represents risk & achievement.

• Motivation: leaving a mark on the world.

​Typically goes on "The Hero's Journey":
Starts in the ordinary world,
Gets a "Call to Adventure," but first denies the call,
gets a mentor,
adventures to an unknown world, faces obstacles,
returns to the ordinary world a changed person.

​Bilbo Baggins: The "Everyman"/Hero

Many main characters, such as Bilbo, display two archeytpal characteristics: The Hero and the Everyman.

Take a look at these two archetypes.
What character from The Hobbit has these archetypes?

Quest – the search for someone or something
Journey – the difficulties the hero must undergo to accomplish the task, usually involves traveling

​Battle between good & evil – we want good to win
Loss of innocence - character "grows up," matures, becomes less naive

Archetypal Settings/Situations:

​These have deeper, subconscious,
psychological meanings.

River - represents rebirth, crossing into new borders or new territory
The Forest - wild, unpredictable, primitive
The Small Town - judgmental
Cave(s) - turning inward; character delves into himself, becomes invisible

Archetypal Settings/Situations:

​These have deeper, subconscious,
psychological meanings.

Vocabulary next