An archetype is a fundamental concept that exists in all cultures throughout history and appears in literature, media, and even dreams. It is an original model or prototype of a person, behavior, or concept that serves as a basis for further development. Archetypes represent fundamental human motifs of experience, such as the importance of the family, the dangers of evil, and the triumph of good over evil. They are a basic element of Jungian psychology, which sought to explore the collective unconscious and its influence upon the individual psyche and behavior. These archetypes serve as a general framework of understanding for how humans think and act, providing a better understanding of both the individual and the cultural context.

See also: emergence, evolution, evolutionary psychology, fermi paradox