The dictionary definition of an archetype is: The original pattern model from which all things
of the same kind are copied or on which they are based; a model or first form;
prototype. This translates into character archetypes, by the way those certain
classic character types, such as hero and villain to have base traits that stereotype
them as these characters.
The classic hero
archetype as stated in the dictionary is: a man of distinguished courage or ability, admired for his brave
deeds and noble qualities, or a person who, in the opinion of others, has
heroic qualities or has performed a heroic act and is regarded as a model or
ideal, Or the principal male character in a story, play, film, etc. One of the
most widely known classic hero archetypal characters is superman who is known
as the original costumed superhero as Umberto Eco states “he can be seen as the
representative of all his similairs” (1) he portrays many of the classic hero
themes such as being inherently good, being the peek of human physical condition
and all round the best of most human characteristics. FitzRoy Somerset, 4th
Baron Raglan wrote in his 1936 book, The
Hero, A Study in Tradition, Myth and Drama.(2) Wrote down a list of 22
common traits generally shared with most mythical heroes and would be a
comparison guide, as the more factors a hero had form the list the more
mythical a hero he supposedly was these traits are as follows:
1.
Mother is a royal virgin
2.
Father is a king
3.
Father related to mother
4.
Unusual conception
5.
Hero reputed to be son of
god
6.
Attempt to kill hero as an
infant, often by father or maternal grandfather
7.
Hero spirited away as a
child
8.
Reared by foster parents in
a far country
9.
No details of childhood
10.
Returns or goes to future
kingdom
11.
Is victor over king, giant,
dragon or beast
12.
Marries a princess (often
daughter of predecessor)
13.
Becomes king
14.
For a time he reigns
uneventfully
15.
He prescribes laws
16.
Later loses favor with gods
or his subjects
17.
Driven from throne and city
18.
Meets with mysterious death
19.
Often at the top of a hill
20.
His children, if any, do
not succeed him [i.e., does not found a dynasty]
21.
His body is not buried
22.
Nonetheless has one or more
holy sepulchers or tombs
Looking at the list Superman does in fact
embody a number of these characteristics including but not limited to:
7.Hero
spirited away as a child
8.reared
by foster parents in a far of country
9.no
details of childhood
(1)Eco
Umberto p.162
(2)Lord
Raglan
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