What is an archetype?

An archetype is a universal symbol, pattern, or model that is present in the collective unconscious of people across cultures and times. These archetypes are considered to be inherited, intangible, and symbolic structures that provide a framework for our understanding of the world and ourselves. The concept of archetypes was first introduced by Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung, who believed that archetypes represented fundamental human experiences and served as the foundation of our subconscious mind. Some examples of archetypes include the hero, the trickster, the shadow, the mother, and the wise old man. These archetypes appear in myths, literature, art, and religious texts and are used to explore universal themes and provide insight into the human condition.