Document Type
Article
Abstract
Theorists and researchers have documented some of the characteristics of heroes which include humility, endurance, courage, vulnerability, perseverance, and the choice to solve societal problems with moral action. These characteristics help a hero complete a journey derived from Campbell’s The Hero with A Thousand Faces. The journey’s cycle begins with a normal state when a call to adventure moves a person to face tests, rely on helpers and transform the self to solve dilemmas. Identifying with a hero as an archetype can activate a psychodynamic and open awareness for insight and emotional strength. Usually, a hero is seen as non-gender specific even though essentially male, as in mankind. Establishing the heroine archetype’s characteristics may expand and give balance to the view of the hero-heroine. Feminist studies indicate that relational knowing could be a heroine’s unique characteristic. Sophia, a heroine archetype of wisdom, supports this characteristic with her quality of interconnection, and adds generativity to the mix. Current research on women’s empowerment affirms the heroine archetype’s strength through relational knowing. The heroine’s cycle of transformation may include navigating the tests of sexism at work and finding self- care amidst societal stereotypes of women as caretakers for others. The heroine archetype’s strengths can help both men and women in achieving balance and power in their lives.
DOI
10.26736/hs.2024.01.10
Recommended Citation
Nelson, Annabelle L.
(2024)
"The Heroine Archetype,"
Heroism Science: Vol. 9:
Iss.
1, Article 9.
DOI: 10.26736/hs.2024.01.10
Available at:
https://scholarship.richmond.edu/heroism-science/vol9/iss1/9