The Orphan Archetype

This article explores the archetype of the orphan and traces it through myth, story, fairy tale, literature, and perhaps most importantly, through the author's personal experience. This is a treatment of the theme of abandonment that details the “inner orphan's” predicament. Rothenberg, a Jungian analyst, speaks from the depths when she says: “It is only when one is truly alone that the creative potential that is carried deep inside has the space and room to emerge into the light of day.”