Archetypes

Archetypes

There are 3 general archetypes which I have found represent women in the mass majority of popular folktales.

This is especially true for Western folktales, but they can be seen everywhere.

These can all be heroic or villainous, though there are definite leanings.

The great separating quality is AUTONOMY!

The Witch

TEND TO BE

  • ❧ Powerful
  • ❧ Old and ugly (connected)
  • ❧ Esoteric
  • ❧ Sage
  • ❧ Unmarried or widowed

The Matriarch

TEND TO BE
*This archetype has the most room for variation

  • ♛ Emotionally Intelligent
  • ♛ Vain
  • ♛ Always thinking about their children
  • ♛ Authoritative
  • ♛ Resilient

The Marriage-Minded Maiden

TEND TO BE

  • ⚘ Passive
  • ⚘ Industrious
  • ⚘ Young
  • ⚘ Beautiful
  • ⚘ Naive