An archetype is a universal, recurring symbol, character, plot, or idea found across different cultures and times. It's a kind of blueprint or template that exists in the collective unconscious of humanity.
Here are some examples:
* Characters: The Hero (e.g., Beowulf, Odysseus, Luke Skywalker), the Trickster (e.g., Loki, Coyote, Puck), the Villain (e.g., Darth Vader, Voldemort, the Wicked Witch of the West)
* Plots: The Quest (e.g., The Odyssey, The Lord of the Rings), The Journey (e.g., The Pilgrim's Progress, Don Quixote), The Fall (e.g., The Bible, Paradise Lost)
* Symbols: The Tree of Life (e.g., Norse mythology, Celtic mythology), The Serpent (e.g., Garden of Eden, Greek mythology), The Sun and Moon (e.g., ancient Egyptian mythology, many indigenous cultures)
* Ideas: The Cycle of Life and Death, The Importance of Courage and Sacrifice, The Conflict Between Good and Evil
Archetypes contribute to the power and universality of literature and mythology, helping us understand and connect with stories across cultures and time.