The Symbologist: Archetypes

by Michelle Snyder, Wicked Local Arlington

Some symbols are found all around the globe and throughout time, and yet they maintain their meaning. Some images have great impact on the viewer, are associated with mystical power and magic and are used in storytelling, folklore, myths and fairy tales.

These symbols are archetypes — “a very typical example of a person or thing.” Archetypal symbols are those that represent things that have been observed or experienced throughout human existence, such as mother and child or the sun, or can be situations that are universally recognized. When an artist or author uses these symbols, a fundamental meaning is transferred. Archetypal language is eternal.

One such concept is a hero. Presented as a knight in shining armor, warrior, fairy godmother, god or goddess, they are still heroes. They can be imaged in countless ways, described in fairy tales of different cultures and languages, but the basic idea is the same — worldwide and through the ages, a hero represents the rescuer, the protector, the savior. Many fairy tales have a hero-knight and the Knights of the Round Table have enthralled generations of readers; the origin of these popular heroes is likely based on the efforts of conquered kingdoms to reclaim their wives and daughters from enemies who made off with them.

The tree of life is another archetypal image. According to Duncan-Enzmann, Yggdrasil is the oldest known image of a Tree of Life, originating more than 10,000 years ago, arising from human observation. Animals often eat in the shelter of trees, leaving what they do not want to “melt” slowly into the ground. Animals can die under trees, their remains also melting into the ground, nourishing the trees. Thus nourished, the trees grow and bloom, again providing shelter and food for the animals. The ancients noticed this cycle — death providing food for the tree, which in turn thrives and provides food for life— and a symbol, was born.

Most of our planet is covered with water. Rivers were the life source and communication routes of ancient civilizations. As they are boundaries between countries, they also represent the boundary between life and death. Water is essential to life and is a vehicle for cleansing, which is necessary in the process of healing — the legends of the fountain of youth are based on the healing properties of water. Water, especially the ocean, is associated with the Great Mother; many creation mythologies represent the source of life as water, which is understandable if only because of the water that accompanies birth. In Celtic mythology, lakes and sacred wells are the dwelling places of supernatural beings, and are sources of mystical wisdom. Old wells and springs are places where miracles occurred.

Damsels in distress are a fundamental archetype in fairy tales and children’s stories, along with heroes, wicked queens, little people and villains. All are caught in situations and magical happenings common to humanity. Sometimes the sweet damsel is locked away in a tower, sometimes exiled or sentenced to death. Sometimes she is caught in a life that is not where she should be. In all cases, a hero must rescue the maiden and restore her to her rightful position. Young girls have always been considered vulnerable and in need of protection by fathers, brothers or mothers. Fairy tales and folklore stories come from a time when young girls were greatly treasured for their role in continued cycles of life.

Michelle Snyder

arlington@wickedlocal.com

www.whiteknightstudio.com.