Archetypes From Greek Mythology Greek

Archetypes From Greek Mythology

Greek mythology and modern times: Archetypes

An archetype is a type of general character who seems to exist as a 'type' in a universal fashion, in different times and cultures. One such an example is that of a 'transgressor,' one who transgresses the boundaries of conventional behavior, such as Dionysius, the god of wine and misrule in Greek mythology. Dionysius was followed by hordes of drunken female worshippers who engaged in suggestive dances, and whose own half-feminine, half-male appearance was considered transgressive. Other transgressive individuals in modern times might similarly 'bend' accepted rules of gender and sexual behavior -- including drag queens or even the comedian Eddie Izzard, a heterosexual male who wears women's clothing, lipstick, and makeup while he critiques society in his comedy shows.

Tricksters like Hermes are some of the most beloved characters in all of Greek mythology, despite their amorality. Hermes playfully steals Apollo's cattle when the young god is barely old enough to walk. Other tricksters today might be comedians like John Stewart, who playfully and democratically 'mock' what is supposed to be taken seriously in politics. Temptresses like Circe use their sexual wiles to ensnare men. After Circe attracts all of Odysseus' crew, she turns them into swine, to show her greater power over the male sex, much like a haughty fashion model might flirt with men, even though she feels far too superior to really treat them with respect.