
An archetype is a universally understood symbol, term, or pattern of behavior, a prototype upon which others are copied, patterned, or emulated. The concept of archetypes originates from the field of depth psychology, particularly the work of Carl Jung, who suggested that these primordial images and ideas are innate, universal, and form the content of the collective unconscious. In Hebrew, the term can be translated as ארכיטיפ (pronounced "arkhe-tip"). In other languages, it is known as arquetipo in Spanish, archetipo in Italian, arquetipo in Portuguese, and Archetyp in German. Archetypes are often used in literature, art, and mythology to represent fundamental human motivations, conflicts, and personality traits. They can be found in various forms, such as the Hero, the Mentor, the Trickster, and the Shadow, each embodying specific qualities and roles that resonate across cultures and time periods.