The+Father

 "Father! - to God himself we cannot give a holier name" (William Wordsworth). When you think of the most powerful people in the world, the thing that made them who they are is the person who taught them how to live. The father is a prolific and important character in storytelling and real life, because of the profound effect they have on their children. But the range of a father archetype- from a never-present estranged father to a loving father, to whom their child can do no wrong- is truly the wonder of this fantastic archetype. Throughout history, the Father Archetype has been present in almost all tales of folklore or mythology. The father portrays traits of a leader and is described as the elder or the king whose word is law. Most archetypical fathers are also stern and impossible to please. The father is wise and knowledgeable and always knows what is best for his family.

But not all examples of this archetype follow these descriptions exactly. For example, Cronos of Greek mythology fits the father archetype, but not exactly. While Cronos is the elder and the king, he does not always support his family like the archetype states. He swallowed all of his children out of fear that one of them would overthrow him as he did to his father.  The father archetype represents a vital component for the majority of all stories and other occurrences in the world.

**Real Life: Martin Luther King Jr.**  Martin Luther King, Jr.'s avid participation in the Civil Rights Movement inspired countless amounts of people. Furthermore, like the father archetype, Martin Luther King Jr. displayed leadership and discipline with the peaceful bus boycott. He experienced a difficult life, but his determination inspired many to speak up and let their voices be heard. Throughout the entire Civil Rights Movement and the rest of his life, Martin Luther King Jr. portrayed a perseverant character who inspired and lead many, ultimately resulting in success.




 * Pop Culture: Homer Simpson

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= Mythology: Jade Emperor (Chinese) = In Chinese mythology, the Jade Emperor rules all of Heaven. On the day of Chinese New Year’s Eve, the Jade Emperor inspects deeds of humans, rewarding or punishing them as he sees fit. He is held in high regards and can be considered all knowing. Jade Emperor is the mighty being whom all mythical creatures report to; he can solve all their problems. Well respected, he maintains discipline and order in a periodically chaotic China.



=Literature: Atticus Finch =

Atticus Finch, of //To Kill a Mockingbird//, exemplifies the father archetype perfect. An ideal father, he works hard as a lawyer to provide for his children during the great depression, and he always tries to be at home as much as possible after the death of his wife. But in addition to being caring Atticus is stern with Scout and Jem and he is slightly detached from his children. Attiucs treats his children like adults and punishes them accordinly. While being slightly detached with his children, he always has their best interests in mind and puts his children first, adhering to the archetype. Atticus is not a complete fit to the father archetype because the Father's word is supposed to be law, but Scout and Jem will sometimes disobey their father, if only to have fun or protect him.



= Mythology: Odin (Norse) =



= ** Literature: Ebi Satrapi ** =

Ebi Satrapi, of Persepolis, is perhaps the ideal father archetype. Strong willed, guiding, nurturing, and providing, throughout Persepolis he guides his daughter Marjane's ideas about the world around her, and herself. He is a liberal muslim living in Iran throughout the Shah's regime, and stands up for what he believes in by attending rallies and throwing illegal parties. Marjane idealizes him, and follows in his footsteps when she gets expelled from school for speaking her mind. He is often seen discussing politics with the rest of the adults, as Marjane catches choice phrases and bases political and ideological opinions on them. An example early in the graphic novel is when Marjane overhears her father talking about the evil of the jailers working under the Shah, torturing protesters to extract information. She hears that a boy at her school's father is a jailer, and decides that the boy must be punished, because her father disapproves. She gathers her friends, with rusty nails in hand, and chases the boy down, threatening to "torture" him as vengeance for the wrongdoings of his father. Marjane's mother appears, and scoops her away explaining that it isn't the child's fault. This incident shows how Ebi Satrapi is such a powerful father to Marjane, and how drastically he influences her decisions.

Julius Caesar was the first emperor of Rome and portrayed many traits of the Father. Caesar exhibited the "king" quality of the Father as he was the Emporer of Rome. Caesar was also very difficult to please, even after conquering nearly all of Gaul as imperator or commander of the Roman Leigons, Caesar wanted more and eventually marched on his own country's caital, Rome, igniting a civil war that caused Caesar to become the first emperor. But Julius Caesar is also different from the classic archetype because Caesar did not command the respect with his subjects, because he was assassinated in 44 BC. Likewise, Cronos of Greek mythology also made the mistake of alienating his children and was overthrown by them.
 * Real Life: Julius Caesar **

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 * Greek Mythology: Kronos


 * Pop Culture: Gepetto**

Gepetto, the father of Pinocchio from the disney classic, is an example of the purely loving father. He started the film distraught, before his puppet came to life. He was overjoyed, and showered his new son with affection, until Pinocchio was led astray. He tracked Pinocchio down, showcasing the committed father archetype, but was swallowed by a whale in a cruel twist. Throughout the film he showcases his intense dedication and love towards Pinocchio, and is an example of the devoted father.

**Mythology: Zeus (Greek)**

Like his father, Kronos, Zeus also represented the father archetype. Subsequent to overthrowing Kronos, Zeus took up the position of chief of the gods. Zeus depicts many facets of the father archetype, including philosophy, which can be shown with his connection to his daughter Athena, goddess of wisdom. Furthermore, Zeus got involved with many love affairs, producing offspring with mortals and mythical creatures alike. Last of all, he exercises discipline upon his siblings and children, maintaining order upon Olympus.

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