| Psychology and the arts provide reflections of and templates for ways of being and living. These templates of behavior and being are termed archetypes. Mostly absent in scholarly discussion of archetypes is one that has historically been associated with the journey of the hero: the Wanderer. Literature and the discipline of Depth Psychology combine to provide a container for exploring this previously under-explored archetype.;Many traits of the Wanderer and her journey closely parallel those of the hero and his journey. Leaving, wounding, an association with hell, engagement with society, and carrying information for the polis are all common features within the journeying period of both of these archetypes. Closer examination reveals distinct delineations between them.;The Wanderer, like many other archetypes, is not associated with any particular deity in the Western traditions but features traits commonly attributed to Hermes, Hecate, and Dionysus. These traits include the implicit or explicit actions assigned to the trickster, and association with crossroads, the ability to be either visible or invisible, and giving the appearance of insanity. She is the opposite or antithesis of Hestia. The more obvious Wanderers are characterized by movement, absence from society and home, engaging with wilderness, limited visibility, and the ability to be unattached to the outcome of things such as boons to society. Other Wanderers may appear to remain within the bounds of society yet may be wandering internally, within the psyche.;Because the Wanderer is outside of and shunned by the community, she is able to remove and diffuse societal problems or provide the polis with a mirror. The Wanderer provides balance and ballast so that the culture remains healthy and functional.;Wanderers abound in literature, often as secondary characters, but a few have come to the fore as protagonists within their own stories. Among these are Odysseus from the Odyssey (Homer), Frodo and Strider of Lord of the Rings (Tolkien), and the title character of Deerskin (McKinley). Examining these four literary figures clarifies their Wanderer characteristics, the importance of the Wanderer, and the Wanderer as a unique archetype. |
