The Mentor Archetype

"Memiors of a Geisha" by Arthur Golden

Published September 27, 1997 in the USA

Wise

The novel written by American author Arthur Golden follows the story of the blue eyed Chiyo as she climbs up the ranks in the world of the geisha. The older sister geisha, Mahema, Chiyo gains in the novel acts as the mentor in the story. Mahema, a more experienced geisha, teaches Chiyo how to be a succesful geisha. Mahema pushes Chiyo to accept the life of a geisha and embrace the opportunities, hardships, and overall experiences that come with it. Mameha demands change from Chiyo. Pushing her to become a powerful geisha. That is what makes her a great example of the mentor archetype.

"The Odyssey" by Homer

Published 1488 in Florence, Italy

Experienced

Homer's epic poem covers the efforts of the Ithacan king Odysseus and his supporters through their plight for his return. During the journey through war ravaged kingdoms and exotic lands. Athena serves as a mentor in this epic poem. Athena helps Telemachus and Odysseus during the duration of the journey to find Odysseus and bring him home. She diguises herself in order to help telemachus in the effort to find his father. She also disguises Odysseus when he finally arrives in Ithaca so he can gain info. without being recognized. Not only does she disguise herself and Odysseus, she also argues with her father Zeus for the release of Odysseus from his confinment of 7 years finally allowing him to return home. The daughter of Zeus is presented as a mentor in "The Odyssey". Athena possesess many qualities of a mentor. She provides guidance and advice to both Odysseus and Telemachus throughout the course of the story. Athena is steadfast in her beliefs, demanding change from her powerful father in order to help Odysseus. The goddess Athena in the epic poem "The Odyssey" is a prime example of the mentor archetype.

"Snow White" by The Brothers Grimm

Published 1812 in Germany

Truthful

The Grimm tale envelopes the story of a cluless, gorgeous, young girl who fell victom to her envious Stepmother, but was able to be saved by a prince in the end. Snow White meets the Seven Dwarfs along the way. They provide Snow White with a home after the plan for her murder falls through. When she is staying at this house, the older and wiser Seven Dwarfs help Snow White after every encounter with her desirous, evil Stepmother. Providing helpful advice in an effort to protect her. The Seven Dwarfs are the fictional embodiment of the mentor archetype.

"Kill Bill Vol 2" by Quentin Tarantino

Released April 16, 2004 Worldwide

Teacher

The American movie by Quentin Tarantino is the sequel to the first edition of the series of Kill Bill films. In this movie, Beatrix continues her revenge on the D.V.A.S. and her mission to kill her previous boss, Bill. Beatrix is trained by Pai Mei. Pai Mei acts as the mentor in this film. Mei trains Beatrix harshly, forcing her to become stronger and wiser. He wasn't harsh all the time, however, he actually cared for her. He is cruel and demanding, but is so for the emprovement of Beatrix. Pai Mei is one of the prime examples of the mentor archetype in live-action film(in my opinion).

"Kung Fu Panda" by Ethan Reiff

Released June 6, 2008 Worldwide

Guiding

Kung Fu Panda is an American film by Ethan Reiff. The movie covers the story of Po when he is unexpectedly chosen as a protector of The Valley of Peace. The fact that he is overweight and not the brightest discourages many people from believing in him. Even his direct master, Master Shifu, struggles to have faith in him. The teacher, as well as every other character, of Po refers to Oogway for guidance. Oogway is older and wiser than any other character in the film. He reassures many characters in the story when they have doubts about Po; he even reassures Po when Po has doubts about himself. All these factors make Oogway a great example of the mentor archetype.