Jungian Archetypes: The Wise Old Man

Psychologist Carl Gustav Jung defined several archetypes that are based in the observations of different but repeating patterns of thought and action that re-appear time and again across people, countries and continents. “Archetypes are ancient or archaic images that derive from the collective unconscious. They are similar to complexes in that they are emotionally toned collections of associated images. But whereas complexes are individualized components of the personal unconscious, archetypes are generalized and derive from the contents of the collective unconscious” (Feist, Feist, & Roberts, 2013, p.109). These are basically defined as a way of organizing human experiences that gives collective meaning. The eight Jungian archetypes are the …show more content…
Everyone, men or woman, possesses a great mother archetype” (Feist, Feist, & Roberts, 2013, p.113). This archetype embodies the ideal qualities of a mother figure. A mother is compassionate, loving, dependable and caring. A good example is the fairy godmother in the Disney Cinderella movie. “The wise old man, archetype of wisdom and meaning, symbolizes humans preexisting knowledge of the mysteries of life” (Feist, Feist, & Roberts, 2013, p.114). This represents the power of peaceful contemplation in the absence of physical prowess. The wise old man foresees the future and offers guidance. An example is Gandalf in the movie Lord of the Rings. “The hero archetype is represented in mythology and legends as a powerful person, sometimes part god, who fights against great odds to conquer or vanquish evil in the form of dragons, monsters, serpents, or demons” (Feist, Feist, & Roberts, 2013, p.115). The hero appears in all religions, mythologies and epics of the world. Some of the characteristics that heroes share are that they are usually born in unusual circumstances, they always leave the family and live with others, they have a special weapon, traumatic events lead them to the quest, they prove themselves on the quest and for the most part there is a supernatural help. “Jung believed that each person possesses an inherited tendency to move towards growth, perfection, and completion, and he called this innate disposition the self” (Feist, Feist, & Roberts, 2013, p.115). The self designates the whole range of psychic phenomena in humans. It is the unity of the personality as a whole. In other words, it encompasses both the experienceable and the inexperianceable and has qualities in common with many scientific