Father Archetype: Discover Patriarchal Father Archetypes Here

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The father archetype is a powerful figure in our unconscious. He is the universal male authority figure who provides support for us, even when we don’t always understand his ways. He is the one who helps us form our negative and positive opinions of men, and even though he can be a tough judge, he is also the one who knows how to lead with rationality and be original and creative. This principle is an important one in our lives, even if we don’t always realize it.

The father archetype is a masculine energy that provides leadership, protection, discipline and support. It is often associated with the earth element. The father figure is a powerful symbol in dreams as well as Jungian analysis, and represents the psychological need for a strong, protective male role model.

Though the Father is not one of the original 12 Jungian archetypes, it can be considered a variant on one of the original twelve: the Caregiver archetype. Both the Father and feminine Mother archetypes stem from the Caregiver, so they embody the traditional Jungian categories, even if they aren’t specifically mentioned.

There aren’t any other names of the Father archetype, but it is closely related to Ruler, King, Tyrant, and Mother. These are not all the same, however, and it’s important to recognize the differences between them.

In this article, you’ll find more specific and detailed information to help you gain a stronger understanding of the Father archetype. You’ll find information that can guide you toward determining whether or not this archetype is the right label for you or someone you know.

Take your time considering the Father archetype and think about how it relates to your life. You may just discover something new and interesting about yourself in the process.

Father Details

Take a look at the details below to find out more about the Father archetype. This archetype is similar to a handful of others, but it is also different, and it brings different strengths and weaknesses as well. It’s important to recognize these qualities in order to identify Father archetypes in both fiction and reality.

Variations

  • Positive Father: This is the “good” side of the Father archetype. This Father protects and cares for those around him, and they look up to him in turn. He is a guiding force and a strong male presence in the lives of his children (or anyone else under his care). He wants to impart wisdom and to share his experiences.
  • Shadow Father: The Shadow Father is all about pride, arrogance, and aggression. When the Father allows these to overtake his natural caring nature, he becomes the Shadow Father. This version of the Father may be abusive or cruel, or he may become the villain of the story. He may not cause physical harm, but could instead be emotionally or mentally harmful.

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Objective

  • The main objective of the Father archetype is to protect. The Father must keep his family, his children, and his home safe first and foremost. He may do this through a variety of different means, some of which are more literal than others.

Desires

  • The Father wants to be able to provide for and take care of his children. Even if his children are only metaphorical (such as the leader of a work group, a compassionate authority figure, or a beloved pastor in a church), the Father always focuses on doing what’s right for those under his care.
  • The Father also wants to share his wisdom and show his experiences to those who may need a little extra guidance. He sometimes does this in a straightforward way, but many times, he leads by example and hopes his children will learn.

Goals

  • A Father archetype who has yet to find someone to take care of will likely strive to find someone to fill this role. He will feel unfulfilled until there is someone under his care.
  • A Father archetype who does have a child or someone else to care for then has the goal of ensuring the safety, security, and wellbeing of that person. He must focus on helping that individual “grow up” in a positive way, even if they are already grown.
  • One of the main goals of the Father archetype is to guide with a firm but loving and compassionate personality.

Strengths

  • Care and compassion are some of the most important strengths of the Father archetype. A Positive Father archetype always shows compassion toward and loves those under his care.
  • The Father archetype usually has a strong mental presence. He is often in command of his emotions, and although he may slip up from time to time, he is aware of his actions and how they affect others.
  • The Father is always ready with some piece of advice or worldly wisdom to share with his children. His advice is generally good, and his guidance is meaningful and genuine.

Weaknesses

  • It is easy for the Father to become corrupt with power and authority. When this happens, he may quickly turn to abuse.
  • The Father may become easily overwhelmed with his responsibilities and can become reliant on addictive substances to help him deal with them. If he doesn’t turn to addiction, he may instead become distant, cold, and unreachable by his children.
  • The Father does not like to show his weaknesses to his children. This, in itself, can be a weakness. A Positive Father should allow his children to understand his own shortcomings so they can focus on improving these areas in their own lives.
  • Atticus Finch is an example of a fictional Positive Father who is not afraid to be honest with his children about his faults.

Qualities

  • The Father archetype is both a guide and a protector. He is similar to a Mentor, but with more love and compassion to drive him.
  • Fathers are wise, and when they don’t know the answer to a question, they are honest more often than not.
  • The Father is always ready to do what’s best for his family, even at the expense of his own safety or wellbeing.

Conclusion

The Father archetype has notable strengths and weaknesses, and there are different variations to consider when thinking about Fathers as well. Recognizing fictional and real Father archetypes can help you determine whether or not this type is strong in your own life. If so, you may be able to pinpoint areas you need to work on—or, conversely, qualities in yourself that allow you to be strong and to achieve your goals.

Consider these examples of fictional and mythological Fathers to help you better understand this archetype:

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  • Andy Griffith in The Andy Griffith Show: Widely recognized as one of TV’s best Fathers, Andy Griffith was charming, kind, and always ready with advice or a lesson.
  • Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird: Atticus is one of the most beloved Fathers in all of literature. His calm yet commanding presence and his relationship with his children make him stand out as a highly regarded Father.
  • Vito Corleone in The Godfather: Vito Corleone does what he thinks is right for his family at all times. He is in charge, and he makes sure everyone else knows it, but his love for his family is real. He is viewed as a negative Father, but also shows positive Father attributes.
  • Darth Vader in Star Wars: Darth Vader is a negative Father figure throughout most of the Star Wars franchise, but redeems himself to some degree in the end.
  • Zeus of mythology: Zeus has many positive and negative points that make him a well-rounded Father.

With some examples of Father archetypes to help you better understand the concept, you’ll be well on your way to a full and precise knowledge of this type in no time.

ADDITIONAL RESEARCH:

https://corecounselling.ca/the-archetypal-father/
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/transcending-the-past/201805/fathers-heroes-villains-and-our-need-archetypes
https://thejungsoul.com/241-2/

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