Dhevin Shah
Troy and the Trojan War
12/21/12
Final Essay

Archetypes

An archetype is essentially known as a universal term than can define a person for their personal traits. Archetypes are more than just a definition though; these symbols truly define how a person lives their life on a daily basis. The term will only have true meaning, however, when one truly understands their inner self. An archetype is typically broken down into three definitions: stereotype, epitome, and a literary term. The first term, stereotype, is one known to most. It is implicated when an individual is observed for a long period of time, catching the significant way he or she acts consistently. An epitome is a summery of a person, looking at the larger picture of who he or she truly is. The final term, literary, can put a label slap on an individual to express a person in greater detail. In the Odyssey, archetypes were used frequently to define a person for the type of person they typically were. These symbols can define anyone from a “warrior” to the “innocent”. When looking into the specific archetypes that fit Odysseus, one must look into their ego, soul, and self. Personally, I believe the most suited archetypes for Odysseus were Heroic, Ruler, and Creator. These symbols truly defined who he was as a warrior and also as a person. When exploring the ego of a Heroic character or person, one must not think of a person going into a war and killing the bad guy. A heroic character will go above and beyond to achieve the goal they have set in their head. Their courageous ways and strategies about how they lead their daily lives are what make them so special. The mind the archetype of a Hero is unique in the sense of the overall achievement in life. A Heroic person constantly looks for a way to make their world better in some way. Odysseus was not just a hero in the physical standpoint, but the way he conveys his actions shows the spiritual side of his heroism. In an archetype, a hero truly believes that “where there is a will, there is a way”. This motto corresponds perfectly with Odysseus’s determination of getting home. Odysseus truly believed, during his ten-year journey, that he would get back home. The journey that lied before him was not an easy one. Obstacles came across his way during these ten years. Obstacles, like people and creatures that he faced and defeated only proved more that no ordinary man could conquer this quest; it took a hero.
The physical encounters Odysseus faced during this journey brought out his heroism in a spiritual sense as well. One may look like a hero with his courageousness and strength; however, a hero must lie within one’s inner self and mind first. Odysseus’s heroic mindset is shown whenever he is faced with an encounter that may be hard to overcome. He envisions his family and balances the loyalty he has with his men. These are the traits that appear to set a standard for what a mythological character of the hero archetype should have. Odysseus’s fight and determination to do whatever it takes to get home to his loved ones brought out the heroic archetype in him.
In an archetype, a creator is typically sought to be an artist of some sort. The label of a creator can be described as an artist, but in a metaphoric sense. The creator believes that if you can envision it, it can be done, but in relation to Odysseus, this is not an artistic vision; this is a vision of a life goal. The greatest fear of a creator is the fear of his vision vanishing. Odysseus showcased his intelligence by using his creative mind through his journey. This fear develops a drive to fulfill a goal, and also corresponds with a hero’s thought of “if there is a will, there is a way”. As a creator, Odysseus defines this archetype by the way he reacts when faced with problems in his journey back to Ithica. During this, he and his men would encounter problems when others question them throughout the journey.