An archetype is a recurrent symbol or motif in literature, art, or mythology. One archetype in literature is: The Hag/Witch/Shaman: The hag or witch is always an older woman, sometimes very old who has a great deal of wisdom, and usually a connection with magical forces. People in the community come for advice or information. The Shaman is a male version of this. This archetype always lives alone or with symbolic animals. Usually good or neutral in nature, this character plays a vital part of the hero quest, but is uninvolved with the outcome of events. Directions: Write about the archetype: Supernatural Intervention: the gods/god (some supernatural force) intervene on the side of the hero or sometimes against him. Who or what is the supernatural intervention? How does it advance the plot?

An archetype is a symbol that appears repeatedly in literature, art and mythology. Archetypes are common across cultures and usually repeat familiar patterns.

An example of such an archetype is that of the gods that intervene on the side of the hero. These are particularly common in Greek myths.

In this archetype, the god in question is usually interested in the affairs of humans. However, he does not care about all humans equally. Instead, he sides with some, and plots against others. Generally, this means that the god is not perfect, and that he has negative emotions that we usually associate with humans, such as jealousy or resentment.

These gods usually intervene in the affairs of humans in a way that is impossible for people. They cause supernatural events that only powerful being like them can bring about. Moreover, these gods usually appear in order to move the action forward through events that are too grand to be able to be caused by humans.