Archetypal analysis of the character of Kush, the tusked from the perspective of “wise mentor” and “rebirth” archetypes

Archetypes have roots in the first experiences of man and for this reason are placed in man’s individual and collected unconscious. Whether overtly or covertly in all aspects of man’s life especially in epic literature where it reflects the unconscious, archetypes manifest themselves. Based on this fact, the subject of this research is to cast a glance at the character of Kush, the tusked emphasizing the Jungian archetypes of wise old man and rebirth. Jung had regarded certain features for these two archetypes which one finds their reflection in Kush’s life. The most important outcomes of this present research made by descriptive analytic method, show that in accordance with Jung’s ideas with the appearance of wise old man, the main character of the story that is Kush, the tusked undergoes wide spiritual transformation and under the influence of his guidelines and his illuminations Kush turns into an ethical person devoted to spiritual affairs as if reborn to experience a totally new life. Although he had an anti- hero character at first, however under the influence of a wise mentor’s guidance he had overcome his internal darkness and had turned into a king and a popular hero. According to the features mentioned for the two archetypes in the story, the stages of Kush’s life falls into three parts: before transformation, in preparation for the transformation, and rebirth of a new character.