According to Jungian psychology, what is an archetype?

In Jungian psychology, an archetype is defined as universal, symbolic patterns or themes that help to shape human experiences and personalities. Carl Jung proposed that these archetypes are innate concepts and motifs that resonate across cultures and time, influencing human behavior and thought. They are embedded in the collective unconscious, which is different from the personal unconscious that contains unique experiences of an individual.

Archetypes manifest in various forms such as characters, themes, and symbols in literature, myths, dreams, and cultural narratives, acting as fundamental building blocks of human experience. Examples include the Hero, the Mother, the Shadow, and the Wise Old Man, all of which embody certain traits or themes that people recognize and relate to on a profound level.

This perspective highlights the shared aspects of human psychology and experience, suggesting that while individuals may have different life circumstances, there are underlying patterns that connect them at a deeper psychological level. This shared understanding of archetypes provides a framework for studying personality and human behavior across different contexts.