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Archetypes are common human experiences, in the form of humans whom others interact with or observe. These come, in the examples below, from the child's knowledge of mother and father figures, and from memory of childhood, whether from self or of a brother or sister or playmate. All have these archetypal concepts, from these common human experiences. Verbal and written stories are rift with human archetypes. In the day and age of the video and computer games, these media are also rift with archetypes.
Archetypes may be exaggerated in their characteristics to heighten their uniqueness. Thus, in the examples below, the Mother, whose uniqueness is her desire to care for her charges, is described as caring less for her personal appearance. The Father, whose uniqueness is his desire to protect and provide for his charges, is described similarly. The Hand Maiden, whose uniqueness is the subservience that comes by nature to the weaker sex in a physically or socially immature state, is exaggerated into downcast eyes and such compliant manners that her masters assume loyalty.
Mother: Even before archetypes of things to be feared, we have loving archetypes. The reason is simple. Most humans, if they are to survive, are given such love by a mother or mother substitute. This archetype is seen most often as a woman, frequently older, gray haired to some degree, a little overweight, paying attention to the charges given her rather than to herself. She deals with food stuffs, is frequently in the kitchen or around the campfire, and is never at a loss for a tasty item of food to give to a youngster.
Father: Likewise, the infant, if it has survived, has encountered in person the archetypal father. This archetype is burly, strong if not smart, and very protective. He may be gruff, frequently is at a loss for words, and like the archetypal mother, cares more for the charges given him than for himself, and most certainly for his physical appearance. He needs a shave, or in the olden days, needed to get his beard trimmed. He is a bit unwashed. His shoes laces or boot straps may be frayed. He's been busy. When the family circle is threatened, father steps between the threat and his family. He sacrifices his life to give his family a get-away. He is non-competitive, allowing his young sons to watch him at work, and assist.
Young Boy: This archetype is active and curious. He gets into trouble, not because he is a trouble maker but because he has an active mind. His curiosity gets the better of him. He climbs over fences and through windows, the urge to explore greater than any warning he may have been given. He is courageous, not actually from ignorance of danger, but because his curiosity is the greater force. He is slender, rather than fat, and scruffy, showing the typical veneer of a young boy - scratches, scuffs, and dirt smudges.
Hand Maiden: This archetype is shy and obedient on the surface, but aware within. She is charged with attending to a mistress, who is almost invariably sarcastic and selfish. The Hand Maiden is dressed demurely, no flashy colors, and has her brunette hair tied back. She stares at the floor, not meeting gazes. She has access to secrets, as she is not seen as a threat by anyone. Consequently, in folklore and reality, she frequently has a role in conspiracy situations. True to the situation in real life, where men in particular assume any dependent woman must give them full loyalty, the Hand Maiden is assumed to be loyal. She knows the conspiracy, having overheard the plot discussed openly. She knows the secret passageways. She has access to garments or tools that can assist the cause of justice. In modern days, this archetype is shown as a hired maid, or secretary to an important personage.