The Hero Archetype: Discover Your Inner Hero

In Jungian psychology, there is a concept known as the Hero archetype. This refers to the idea that all humans have an inner hero that drives them to succeed and overcome challenges.

If you want to achieve great things in life, it is important to understand and harness your inner hero.

In this blog post, we will discuss the Hero archetype in more detail and provide tips on how you can unleash your inner hero!

What Is The Hero Archetype?

The hero archetype is one of the original 12 Archetypes proposed by Carl Jung. The Hero represents the part of you that is driven by a deep desire to help others and make the world a better place.

The Hero archetype can be found in stories from all around the world and across all cultures. The Hero is often called to adventure and must face challenges and dangers in order to achieve his or her goals.

READ MORE: What are Archetypes and are they real?

The Hero is often associated with the Jungian concept of individuation, which is the process of becoming an individual. 

The Hero archetype represents the journey of self-discovery and the quest for personal growth.

man opening shirt to show symbol of hero

Hero Archetype Characteristics

The Hero archetype is one of the most commonly used in literature and film. It is often seen as a symbol of courage and strength. The Hero is often someone who goes above and beyond to save people or achieve a goal.

The Hero’s is characterized as someone who is brave and determined

Here is a list of characteristics of the Hero Archetype.

TraitsDriveFearStrategy
○ Brave○ Selfless○ Stong○ Determined○ Improvement○ Honor○ Mastery○ Progress○ Vulnerability○ Weakness○ Defeat○ Being afraid○ Be as strong as possible○ Take fast action

The Hero also strives for justice and the destruction of evil.

They are often selfless people who put the needs of others before their own. The Hero is a symbol of hope and represents the best qualities in humanity.

Shadow Aspects of the Hero

There are also shadow aspects to the Hero.  These are the parts of ourselves that we don’t want to acknowledge or see. They can be dark and dangerous, and often arise when we’re feeling threatened or under pressure.

The Hero’s journey is about facing these shadow aspects and integrating them into our lives. It’s not always easy, but it’s essential if we want to become our true selves.

Shadow Aspects of the Hero Archetype:

  • Denial
  • Suppression
  • Violence
  • Shame
  • Fear of Defeat

READ MORE: Guide to Shadow Work

The Hero’s biggest shadow is shame and defeat. They are so afraid of being seen as a failure that they will do anything to avoid it. 

This can lead to denial, suppression, and even violence.

But the Hero’s journey is also about redemption and rebirth. So eventually, they will have to face their shadow aspects head-on. And when they do, they will be transformed into a new and better person.

Pop Culture Examples Of The Hero

The Hero archetype is one of the most commonly used in pop culture. Here are some examples:

  • Wonder Woman: Diana Prince is an Amazonian warrior princess and one of the world’s strongest superheroes. She embodies the hero through her selfless service to a cause that is bigger than herself.
  • Luke Skywalker: A young farm boy from Tatooine, Luke is thrust into the center of the war against the Empire and becomes a powerful Jedi Knight. As the story unfolds Luke faces the shadows within him to become a better person and eventually uses this wisdom to redeem his father from the dark side.
  • Harry Potter: Orphaned as a baby, Harry is raised by his aunt and uncle until he learns he is a wizard and enrolls in Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. He represents the Hero because of his reluctance to lead, but eventually chooses the hard path to save all that he loves. 
  • Jon Snow from the Game of Thrones: A bastard son of Ned Stark, Jon is raised at Winterfell and becomes a sworn brother of the Night’s Watch. He embodies the Hero archetype through his willingness to put the needs of others before himself, even when it comes at a great personal cost.
  • Black Panther:  T’Challa is the king of Wakanda and a powerful superhero. He represents the Hero archetype by fighting for justice and protecting his people, even when it is difficult or dangerous. 

These are just a few examples of the Hero archetype in pop culture. 

Example of The Hero Archetype For Brands

In business and brand identity, the Hero Archetype may also be observed. A Hero Archetype is a persona that embodies the qualities of heroism, such as bravery, strength, and courage. A company or brand that adopts the Hero Archetype can tap into the positive associations and emotions that come with it. 

Consumers may see such a company or brand as embodying the qualities of heroism and may be more likely to trust and invest in it.

Nike is a good example of a company that has adopted the Hero Archetype in its branding. The brand’s marketing campaigns often depict athletes as heroes and showcase their strength, courage, and determination. 

Nike’s message is that by buying its products, consumers can become heroes themselves.

This strategy has been successful for Nike, as the brand is now one of the most popular and successful in the world.

Hero Archetype Brands: 

  • Nike
  • Marines
  • BMW
  • Adidas
  • Duracell

Attributes of Hero brand voice:

  • Bravery
  • Honesty
  • Excitement

Strengthening Your Hero Archetype

If you feel disconnected from your Hero, here are some practices to try:

  • Observe your Hero archetype in other people and learn from their stories. You can read myths and legends, watch movies or listen to stories that feature Hero archetypes.
  • Engage in physical activity that connects you with your inner Hero. This could be something like martial arts, outdoor activities, or playing sports.
  • Look for opportunities to act with courage in your everyday life. This could mean standing up for what you believe in, or helping someone in need.
  • Journal about your Hero journey, including the challenges you have faced and what lessons you have learned.
  • Create a vision board or collage that represents your Hero’s journey. This can help you to see your progress and stay focused on your goals.
  • Make time for self-care, including practices that connect you to your inner Hero, such as meditation, yoga, or martial arts.
  • Join a group or community that supports your Hero’s journey. This can provide encouragement and support along the way.

Remember that the Hero journey is an ongoing process. There are always new challenges and lessons to learn. Embrace your Hero archetype and allow it to guide you on your journey.

In Conclusion:

The Hero’s Journey is one of the 12 Jungian Archetypes and it’s the story of the inner journey that we all take at some point in our lives. It’s a journey to find our authentic selves and become the heroes we were always meant to be.

If you are interested in the Hero’s Journey, I highly suggest you check out the article I wrote on the twelve stages of the hero’s journey. It can give night into the cyclical nature of the ever-growing hero.

If you are interested in learning more about the Archetype, I encourage you to check out the Masculine Archetype Deck, as well as the following articles:

The Masculine Archetype Deck gives you a tangibly way to explore your psyche and break free from unhealthy patterns.

Isaac Cotec
Isaac Cotec
Creator of HeroRise, Isaac Cotec has dedicated his life to empowering others through art and creativity. He is a scholar of the subconscious and has studied the power of symbolism to help create enduring change.

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