Question

An archetype is a recurrent symbol or motif in literature, art, or mythology. One archetype in literature is: The Hag/Witch/Shaman: The hag or witch is always an older woman, sometimes very old who has a great deal of wisdom, and usually a connection with magical forces. People in the community come for advice or information. The Shaman is a male version of this. This archetype always lives alone or with symbolic animals. Usually good or neutral in nature, this character plays a vital part of the hero quest, but is uninvolved with the outcome of events. Directions: Write about the archetype: Supernatural Intervention: the gods/god (some supernatural force) intervene on the side of the hero or sometimes against him. Who or what is the supernatural intervention? How does it advance the plot?

Answer 1

The archetype of Supernatural Intervention involves gods or other supernatural entities affecting the plot by helping or hindering the hero, exemplifying themes like fate and divine will, and deepening the narrative's complexity.

Step-by-step explanation:

The archetype of Supernatural Intervention plays a pivotal role in narrative structures, often influencing the trajectory of the plot and the experiences of the protagonist. In literature and mythology, gods or other supernatural entities intervene in the human world, providing assistance or obstacles to the hero of the story. This intervention serves to advance the plot by altering the hero's journey, providing challenges that test their resolve, or aiding them with divine assistance to achieve their goals.

One classic example of supernatural intervention is Athena's assistance in Homer's Odyssey, where she guides and supports Odysseus on his journey home. Such interventions present critical turning points in the narrative and exemplify the power of fate, divine will, or magical forces in the story's universe. The intervention may be direct, such as a god manifesting to provide help, or indirect, manifesting through omens, dreams, or enchanted items.

Whether supporting or opposing the hero, supernatural forces significantly impact the hero's path and often reflect the cultural values and moral lessons embedded within the myth or tale. These interactions between the supernatural and the mortal realms underscore the theme of human agency versus predestination, deepening the complexity of the hero's journey.

Answer 2

An archetype is a symbol that appears repeatedly in literature, art and mythology. Archetypes are common across cultures and usually repeat familiar patterns.

An example of such an archetype is that of the gods that intervene on the side of the hero. These are particularly common in Greek myths.

In this archetype, the god in question is usually interested in the affairs of humans. However, he does not care about all humans equally. Instead, he sides with some, and plots against others. Generally, this means that the god is not perfect, and that he has negative emotions that we usually associate with humans, such as jealousy or resentment.

These gods usually intervene in the affairs of humans in a way that is impossible for people. They cause supernatural events that only powerful being like them can bring about. Moreover, these gods usually appear in order to move the action forward through events that are too grand to be able to be caused by humans.