Role of Archetypes in 'The Odyssey' and 'The Alchemist'

Archetypes are pivotal in the structure of any story. Without archetypes, individuality is not expressed. The story will fail to have a characteristical context if not knowing the individual classification of personality for each character. It is as if reading an open book with blank pages. Using The Oddessy, by Homer. Translated by Robert Fitzgerald and The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho I will prove that without archetypes, stories will be bland and difficult to finish. There will be a shortfall of captivation, engagement of the readers, interest in the plot, and unknowing of what will happen next.

First of all, in The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho; An old man who displays the qualities of the archetype known as The Wizard is The Alchemist. The Wizard archetype usually presents characteristics like wisdom, sound judgment, and mythical magic powers. All of these are attributes of personality traits the Alchemist

In The Odyssey, a character that is equipped with the characteristics of The Sage is the god, Athena. Athena is not only wise, but she possesses clarity of thought and assists Odysseus on his journey to return to Ithaca. She accommodated Odysseus’s son, Telemachus, with advice throughout the story. “‘Not the least shyness, now, Telemachus… Go to old Nestor, master charioteer as we may broach the storehouse of his mind”(35). She remained supportive of Odysseus’s choices and advocated for Odysseus to the king of gods, Zeus. “O Father Zeus and gods in bliss forever… for those Odysseus ruled cannot remember the fatherhood and mercy of his reign. Meanwhile, he lives and grieves upon that island in thralldom to the nymph… And now murder is hatched on the high sea against his son…”(81). Athena is also known as “The Grey-Eyed Goddess” because of her maturity and intelligence. Her assistance and guidance for Odysseus allowed him to return to his family. Without her, Odysseus most likely would not have made it back to