Myth as Archetype in Two Jataka Stories

Abstract

The term archetype signifies narrative designs, character types and images which are found, in a variety of works of literature and the similarity has helped critics to interpret works of literature. Archetypes in the strict sense are primordial and universal images that make up the contents of the collective unconscious, and their existence is revealed by the regular patterns of imagery that reoccur in individual dreams, artistic productions and primitive religions and mythologies. Myth has become one of the most important terms in contemporary literary analysis. It is an integral element of literature and the interest of poets and writers in myth and mythology is remarkable and constant since Homer’s time. Archetype is the foundation instrument with the help of which myth carries its narration in time in terms of rituals, romances, birth, death and rebirth cycle.