The document discusses archetypes and comparative mythology. It provides examples of common archetypes like swastikas, pentagrams, and mandalas that have appeared independently in diverse cultures and religions. It also describes recurring mythical themes, like dying and resurrected deities who descend into the underworld (such as Osiris, Inanna, Persephone). The document suggests these common symbols and myths arise from the collective unconscious as described by Jung's theory of archetypes emerging from ancient, shared experiences ingrained in humanity.

1. Archet ypesArchet ypes
I mages f rom t heI mages f rom t he
Subconscious Past ?Subconscious Past ?

2. Comparative MythComparative Myth
 When the Egyptians and Sumerians beganWhen the Egyptians and Sumerians began
recording their myths, the elements of the talesrecording their myths, the elements of the tales
were already ancient, but they are the oldestwere already ancient, but they are the oldest
bases for the study of comparative myth.bases for the study of comparative myth.
 Tales such as the death and resurrection ofTales such as the death and resurrection of
Osiris and Inanna set standards for a plethora ofOsiris and Inanna set standards for a plethora of
other deities who died and resurrected. Theother deities who died and resurrected. The
Sumerian/BabylonianSumerian/Babylonian Epic of GilgameshEpic of Gilgamesh is theis the
benchmark for all later heroic tales.benchmark for all later heroic tales.

3. ArchetypesArchetypes
 The acts, deeds, personalities, andThe acts, deeds, personalities, and
circumstances of deities and mythiccircumstances of deities and mythic
situations echo through the ages; they aresituations echo through the ages; they are
found in many, many diversefound in many, many diverse
cultures/religions.cultures/religions.
 These commonalities are most commonlyThese commonalities are most commonly
called “archetypes,” and though theircalled “archetypes,” and though their
origins are disputed, it is evident that theyorigins are disputed, it is evident that they
exist.exist.

4. Karl JungKarl Jung
 The existence ofThe existence of
archetypes wasarchetypes was
formally theorized byformally theorized by
Karl Jung, a onetimeKarl Jung, a onetime
disciple of Sigmunddisciple of Sigmund
Freud who brokeFreud who broke
away from the Fatheraway from the Father
of Modernof Modern
Psychology to formPsychology to form
his own school ofhis own school of
thought.thought.

5. The TheoryThe Theory
 To wit: Jung postulated that the subconscious is aTo wit: Jung postulated that the subconscious is a
storehouse for certain ancient images and tales. Hestorehouse for certain ancient images and tales. He
called them by several names but “archetypes” stuck.called them by several names but “archetypes” stuck.
AArchetypes are long-lived, repetitive parallel symbols and
myths from diverse cultures and locations; they are
absolute and transcendent, autochthonously emerging
from a collective human unconscious (Jung, Jung on
Myth 62).
 Archetypes are copies of the original experience orArchetypes are copies of the original experience or
symbol.symbol. Jung says we are born with them; they are
“deposits of the constantly repeated experiences of
humanity” over a long period of time (Jung, “On the
Psych.” 69). The older the archetype, the more likely it isThe older the archetype, the more likely it is
to be found in many different areas.to be found in many different areas.

6.  Archetypes are not static; they evolve over time, often inArchetypes are not static; they evolve over time, often in
response to cultural changes or needs. Santa Claus is aresponse to cultural changes or needs. Santa Claus is a
modern archetype—there are few people in the Westernmodern archetype—there are few people in the Western
world who would not recognize his description. Thatworld who would not recognize his description. That
image, however, is based on even older images such asimage, however, is based on even older images such as
the Holly King in Celtic myth. The image of a witch withthe Holly King in Celtic myth. The image of a witch with
a pointed hat, long nose and chin, warts, broom, anda pointed hat, long nose and chin, warts, broom, and
cauldron is also a more recent archetype.cauldron is also a more recent archetype.
 We should be careful to distinguish between archetypesWe should be careful to distinguish between archetypes
and stereotypes, though it is possible that a stereotypeand stereotypes, though it is possible that a stereotype
can evolve into a modern archetype.can evolve into a modern archetype.
 ““Computer Geek” does not qualify as an archetype!Computer Geek” does not qualify as an archetype!

7. Visual SymbolsVisual Symbols
 Visual symbols provide obvious existenceVisual symbols provide obvious existence
of archetypes. There are almost identical,of archetypes. There are almost identical,
recognizable images found in many partsrecognizable images found in many parts
of the world that seemingly came intoof the world that seemingly came into
existence independent of each other.existence independent of each other.

8. SwastikasSwastikas

9.  Most people identify the swastika withMost people identify the swastika with
Nazi Germany, but its history longNazi Germany, but its history long
precedes the advent of Hitler and theprecedes the advent of Hitler and the
Third Reich.Third Reich.

10. ChinaChina
 In China, the swastika was painted on silk foundIn China, the swastika was painted on silk found
in tombs from the Han Dynasty circa 300 BCE.in tombs from the Han Dynasty circa 300 BCE.
They are called “long-tailed pheasant stars,” akaThey are called “long-tailed pheasant stars,” aka
“comets” (Goldman)“comets” (Goldman)

11.  They are also foundThey are also found
on other Chineseon other Chinese
iconography such asiconography such as
this WuShih coin.this WuShih coin.

12. IndiaIndia
 Swastikas are alsoSwastikas are also
found in ancient Indiafound in ancient India
where they werewhere they were
icons of protectionicons of protection
and good luck.and good luck.

13. East Indian SwastikasEast Indian Swastikas

14. IsraelIsrael
 Hitler would haveHitler would have
been surprised tobeen surprised to
know that this is aknow that this is a
“maoz haim” swastika“maoz haim” swastika
found on the floor offound on the floor of
an ancientan ancient
synagogue.synagogue.

15. Pre-Columbian AmericaPre-Columbian America
 Swastikas were foundSwastikas were found
etched on cave wallsetched on cave walls
in North America andin North America and
woven into fabricswoven into fabrics
such as this Centralsuch as this Central
American rug.American rug.

16. GreeceGreece
 The Greeks utilized the image as evidenced byThe Greeks utilized the image as evidenced by
this 8this 8thth
. century Grecian bowl.. century Grecian bowl.

17. CanadaCanada
 These hockey players from Edmonton (circaThese hockey players from Edmonton (circa
1916) certainly intended no evil by the icons1916) certainly intended no evil by the icons
on their sweaters.on their sweaters.

18. Mandalas or the Eye of GodMandalas or the Eye of God

19. BuddhismBuddhism
 Mandalas are most often associated withMandalas are most often associated with
Eastern religions. Buddhist monks takeEastern religions. Buddhist monks take
days to make the intricate designs withdays to make the intricate designs with
colored sand and then destroy the finishedcolored sand and then destroy the finished
product to demonstrate the impermanenceproduct to demonstrate the impermanence
of material items. Mandalas are used asof material items. Mandalas are used as
meditation tools and have been referred tomeditation tools and have been referred to
as maps of the cosmos. The earliestas maps of the cosmos. The earliest
mandala could have been amandala could have been a
representation of the eye.representation of the eye.

20. South America, MexicoSouth America, Mexico
 Mexican childrenMexican children
make these from yarnmake these from yarn
and sticks (so doand sticks (so do
American children),American children),
but the “Eye of God”but the “Eye of God”
is ancient and wasis ancient and was
found in Southfound in South
America, as well.America, as well.

21. From Egypt to the U.S.From Egypt to the U.S.
 The “All Seeing Eye”The “All Seeing Eye”
is related to Masonryis related to Masonry
and has a longand has a long
history. Thehistory. The
American forefathersAmerican forefathers
adopted the icon foradopted the icon for
the one dollar bill.the one dollar bill.

22. Outer SpaceOuter Space
 Astronomers dubbedAstronomers dubbed
this as the newestthis as the newest
“Eye of God,” bringing“Eye of God,” bringing
the concept to a fullthe concept to a full
circle as the mandalacircle as the mandala
being a map of thebeing a map of the
cosmos. (This is morecosmos. (This is more
than a bit tongue-in-than a bit tongue-in-
cheek!)cheek!)

23. Pentacle or PentagramPentacle or Pentagram
 Pentacles andPentacles and
pentagrams, likepentagrams, like
swastikas, received aswastikas, received a
bad reputation whenbad reputation when
they becamethey became
associated withassociated with
Satanism, but theySatanism, but they
have been around forhave been around for
millennia.millennia.

24. Nature’s “Stars”Nature’s “Stars”
 The earliestThe earliest
pentagrams (withoutpentagrams (without
the circle) were mostthe circle) were most
likely modeled afterlikely modeled after
five-petaled flowers.five-petaled flowers.

25. ApplesApples
 An apple cutAn apple cut
widthwise instead ofwidthwise instead of
lengthwise alsolengthwise also
makes a pentagram.makes a pentagram.
 Apples wereApples were
associated withassociated with
goddesses; thegoddesses; the
pentagram was calledpentagram was called
“The Star of Isis.”“The Star of Isis.”

26. Leonardo Da VinciLeonardo Da Vinci
 Da Vinci’s famousDa Vinci’s famous
sketch of a man withsketch of a man with
outstretched armsoutstretched arms
and legs makes aand legs makes a
pentacle.pentacle.
 In early Christianity,In early Christianity,
the pentagramthe pentagram
represented Adam.represented Adam.

27.  The satanic pentacleThe satanic pentacle
is, by comparison, ais, by comparison, a
new use of an ancientnew use of an ancient
symbol.symbol.

28. Archetypal MythsArchetypal Myths
 In addition to visual symbols, there existsIn addition to visual symbols, there exists
a plethora of myths from diverse culturesa plethora of myths from diverse cultures
which have similar themes.which have similar themes.
 The myth of the Dying and ResurrectedThe myth of the Dying and Resurrected
Deity and his/her descent into theDeity and his/her descent into the
underworld is one of the most widespread.underworld is one of the most widespread.

29. Resurrected Deities and theirResurrected Deities and their
Descents: OsirisDescents: Osiris
 Along with Inanna of Sumeria, Osiris ofAlong with Inanna of Sumeria, Osiris of
Egypt is the oldest recorded dying god.Egypt is the oldest recorded dying god.
Killed by his evil brother, Set, he isKilled by his evil brother, Set, he is
resurrected by his wife, Isis, and the jackalresurrected by his wife, Isis, and the jackal
headed god, Anubis.headed god, Anubis.
 Though he is brought back to life, OsirisThough he is brought back to life, Osiris
cannot stay in the land of the living, thuscannot stay in the land of the living, thus
descends into the netherworld, Tuat, todescends into the netherworld, Tuat, to
become God of the Dead.become God of the Dead.

30.  Osiris is also oneOsiris is also one
of the originalof the original
“Green Men” whom“Green Men” whom
we will examine inwe will examine in
another lesson.another lesson.

31. InannaInanna
 The goddess Inanna of Sumeria isThe goddess Inanna of Sumeria is
another early dying/resurrected deity, butanother early dying/resurrected deity, but
she descends to Kur (Sumerianshe descends to Kur (Sumerian
underworld) and then dies.underworld) and then dies.
 She is revived by trickery on the part ofShe is revived by trickery on the part of
her uncle, Enki, and is allowed to live inher uncle, Enki, and is allowed to live in
the heavens again if she picks someonethe heavens again if she picks someone
to take her place in Kur.to take her place in Kur.

32. InannaInanna
Inanna’s pose isInanna’s pose is
one often assumedone often assumed
by ancientby ancient
goddesses: itgoddesses: it
means “I can feedmeans “I can feed
the world”—athe world”—a
demonstration ofdemonstration of
fertility.fertility.

33. DumuziDumuzi
 Inanna chooses her husband, Dumuzi, toInanna chooses her husband, Dumuzi, to
take her place because he didn’t mourntake her place because he didn’t mourn
her death properly.her death properly.
 His sister, Geshtinanna, mourns him soHis sister, Geshtinanna, mourns him so
much that Inanna relents and allows themuch that Inanna relents and allows the
sister to trade places with Dumuzi for sixsister to trade places with Dumuzi for six
months of the year.months of the year.

34. PersephonePersephone
 The Greek Persephone does not die, butThe Greek Persephone does not die, but
in the most well known version, isin the most well known version, is
abducted by her uncle, Hades.abducted by her uncle, Hades.
 Her mother, Demeter, mourns and causesHer mother, Demeter, mourns and causes
the first winter. Zeus is forced to allowthe first winter. Zeus is forced to allow
Persephone to return to the upper earth,Persephone to return to the upper earth,
but since she has eaten somebut since she has eaten some
pomegranate seeds, she must spendpomegranate seeds, she must spend
three months of the year in Hades.three months of the year in Hades.

35. Attis, AdonisAttis, Adonis
 Attis (Anatolian, modern day Turkey) andAttis (Anatolian, modern day Turkey) and
Adonis (Greek) are gods who die forAdonis (Greek) are gods who die for
various reasons—all gory—and arevarious reasons—all gory—and are
resurrected at the behest of their lovers.resurrected at the behest of their lovers.
Like Dumuzi and Persephone, however,Like Dumuzi and Persephone, however,
they spend part of the year in thethey spend part of the year in the
underworld.underworld.

36. Balder/BaldurBalder/Baldur
 In Norse myth, Balder is slain and goes toIn Norse myth, Balder is slain and goes to
Niflheim, ruled by the goddess Hel. He is deniedNiflheim, ruled by the goddess Hel. He is denied
resurrection when Loki, disguised as an oldresurrection when Loki, disguised as an old
woman, refused to weep for him along with thewoman, refused to weep for him along with the
rest of humanity.rest of humanity.
 However, it is often recounted that Baldur willHowever, it is often recounted that Baldur will
rise again after Ragnarok to rule the new Asgardrise again after Ragnarok to rule the new Asgard
—this version of the myth could have been—this version of the myth could have been
influenced by Christian scribes who recordedinfluenced by Christian scribes who recorded
Norse mythNorse myth..

37. The Divine/Hero TwinsThe Divine/Hero Twins
 The twin or brother theme is widespread inThe twin or brother theme is widespread in
many myth from Sumeria to Greece tomany myth from Sumeria to Greece to
Pre-Columbian America.Pre-Columbian America.
 In Mayan myth, the Divine Twins, travel toIn Mayan myth, the Divine Twins, travel to
Xibalba (land of the dead) to bring backXibalba (land of the dead) to bring back
their father; they beat the gods of death intheir father; they beat the gods of death in
several games and are eventually killed,several games and are eventually killed,
but like other gods, they resurrect (Sharerbut like other gods, they resurrect (Sharer
729).729).

38. JesusJesus
 Jesus is the most well known Dying andJesus is the most well known Dying and
Resurrected god in modern times, but hisResurrected god in modern times, but his
death and resurrection has archetypaldeath and resurrection has archetypal
links to deities who precede him.links to deities who precede him.
 Like Inanna, he is dead for three days andLike Inanna, he is dead for three days and
according to the Apocrypha, he spendsaccording to the Apocrypha, he spends
those days in hell. He breaks the mold,those days in hell. He breaks the mold,
however, in several other ways.however, in several other ways.

39. Why? How?Why? How?
 The existence of archetypes is evidentThe existence of archetypes is evident
from the many similar images and talesfrom the many similar images and tales
from diverse cultures—the questionfrom diverse cultures—the question
remains as to the reason for theirremains as to the reason for their
existence.existence.

40. Jung’s TheoryJung’s Theory
 Jung says we are born with archetypes. The oldest are rooted inJung says we are born with archetypes. The oldest are rooted in
the subconscious of all humans—though some may be culturallythe subconscious of all humans—though some may be culturally
linked and not shared by common humanity.linked and not shared by common humanity.
 Archetypes are events or symbols that humans experience or seeArchetypes are events or symbols that humans experience or see
over and over again for a long period of time and thus, becameover and over again for a long period of time and thus, became
ingrained in our psyches.ingrained in our psyches.
 Jung also postulated the theory of the “collective subconscious”Jung also postulated the theory of the “collective subconscious”
wherein archetypes repose--subconscious shared by all humans. Awherein archetypes repose--subconscious shared by all humans. A
“subcategory” is “race or ethnic memory,” subconscious memories“subcategory” is “race or ethnic memory,” subconscious memories
from our cultural and racial backgrounds.from our cultural and racial backgrounds.
 These memories are triggered by certain stimuli such as images orThese memories are triggered by certain stimuli such as images or
music.music.
 Another theory that Jung set forth is the idea of a “Universal Mind.”Another theory that Jung set forth is the idea of a “Universal Mind.”
Something beyond humanity that holds all of the knowledge in theSomething beyond humanity that holds all of the knowledge in the
universe which humanity is a part of or can tap into (universe which humanity is a part of or can tap into (Jung, Jung on
Myth)..

41. Dispersion/Diffusion TheoryDispersion/Diffusion Theory
 One other prominent theory for the existence of archetypes is theOne other prominent theory for the existence of archetypes is the
Dispersion Theory.Dispersion Theory.
 This theory states that millennia ago, there was a central societyThis theory states that millennia ago, there was a central society
with a set of beliefs. The people spread out, migrating to newwith a set of beliefs. The people spread out, migrating to new
places.places.
 As they spread out, they took their beliefs with them. The ideasAs they spread out, they took their beliefs with them. The ideas
about deities and their myths changed over time to suit the need ofabout deities and their myths changed over time to suit the need of
the changing cultures.the changing cultures.
 For example, the chaotic abyss in Egyptian and other myth turnsFor example, the chaotic abyss in Egyptian and other myth turns
into an icy chasm in Norse myth—an adaptation for the frozen north.into an icy chasm in Norse myth—an adaptation for the frozen north.
 The problem with the dispersion/diffusion theory is that theThe problem with the dispersion/diffusion theory is that the
existence of a central ancient religious center cannot be proven. Byexistence of a central ancient religious center cannot be proven. By
the time archetypal myth was recorded in Egypt and Sumeria, thethe time archetypal myth was recorded in Egypt and Sumeria, the
myths were already ancient (Lewis-Williams and Pearce 41)myths were already ancient (Lewis-Williams and Pearce 41)

42. Worldwide SpectaclesWorldwide Spectacles
 One other theory that explains some archetypes is an event thatOne other theory that explains some archetypes is an event that
was witnessed in many places.was witnessed in many places.
 The Chinese swastika is called “the long pheasant tailed star,”The Chinese swastika is called “the long pheasant tailed star,”
which is a comet. A comet resembling a swastika would have beenwhich is a comet. A comet resembling a swastika would have been
seen by many ancient peoples in many parts of the worldseen by many ancient peoples in many parts of the world
(Goldman).(Goldman).
 Other images such as the pentagram and the spiral echo designsOther images such as the pentagram and the spiral echo designs
found in nature—but why did so many cultures find these motifsfound in nature—but why did so many cultures find these motifs
notable enough to record in their iconography? Were they pleasingnotable enough to record in their iconography? Were they pleasing
to the eye?to the eye?

43. Physiological ExplanationPhysiological Explanation
 One of the more recent theories for the existence of archetypes isOne of the more recent theories for the existence of archetypes is
that they are physiological in nature—a result of the “functioning ofthat they are physiological in nature—a result of the “functioning of
the universal human nervous system” and not a universal mindthe universal human nervous system” and not a universal mind
(Lewis-Williams and Pearce).(Lewis-Williams and Pearce).
 David Lewis-Williams and David Pearce substantiate this claim byDavid Lewis-Williams and David Pearce substantiate this claim by
examining hypnopompic (that is a $1 word and means “experiencesexamining hypnopompic (that is a $1 word and means “experiences
encountered on awakening from sleep”) and comparing theseencountered on awakening from sleep”) and comparing these
experiences with drug induced altered states of consciousness.experiences with drug induced altered states of consciousness.
Both states are comparable and commonalities include:Both states are comparable and commonalities include:
 Seeing bright geometric figuresSeeing bright geometric figures
 Floating or flyingFloating or flying
 Passage through a tunnel[.] (45)Passage through a tunnel[.] (45)
 These elements suggest a physical basis for some archetypalThese elements suggest a physical basis for some archetypal
images, but the theory does not adequately explain archetypal mythimages, but the theory does not adequately explain archetypal myth
—repeated tales in diverse cultures.—repeated tales in diverse cultures.

44. And . . .And . . .
 However archetypes came to be, they areHowever archetypes came to be, they are
evident in mythos from many cultures.evident in mythos from many cultures.
 In this class, a main focus will be on thoseIn this class, a main focus will be on those
similar myths: the resurrected deity, thesimilar myths: the resurrected deity, the
descent into the underworld, anddescent into the underworld, and
creation/afterlife myths. We will alsocreation/afterlife myths. We will also
examine the commonalities between theexamine the commonalities between the
deities.deities.

45. Works CitedWorks Cited
 Goldman, Noah. “Comets in Ancient Cultures.”Goldman, Noah. “Comets in Ancient Cultures.” Deep Impact..
University of Maryland. n.d. Web. 12 June 2013University of Maryland. n.d. Web. 12 June 2013
<http://deepimpact.umd.edu/science/comets-cultures.html>.<http://deepimpact.umd.edu/science/comets-cultures.html>.
 Lewis-Williams, David and David Pearce.Lewis-Williams, David and David Pearce. Inside the Neolithic Mind:Inside the Neolithic Mind:
Consciousness, Cosmos, and the Realm of the GodsConsciousness, Cosmos, and the Realm of the Gods. NY: Thames. NY: Thames
and Hudson, 2005. Print.and Hudson, 2005. Print.
 Sharer, Robert James.Sharer, Robert James. The Ancient MayaThe Ancient Maya. Stanford; Stanford UP,. Stanford; Stanford UP,
2006. Print.2006. Print.