Archetype

Jungian archetypes, also known as primordial images or collective symbols, are inherited mental representations/images of identities, themes, and symbols that have been part of different cultures and societies for thousands of years and have been attributed a common meaning. In other words, is a universally shared concept that is, according to Jung, part of the collective unconscious - the part of the mind that contains inherited information common to every human being. There are many types of archetypes, the main ones being the persona, the shadow, the anima or animus, and the self.

For example: the shadow archetype represents the “villain” in every story and is usually associated with a set of negative characteristics. The representation of the dark side of the human being is a common theme across all cultures.